Arthroscopic rotator interval release for frozen shoulder, comparative study between diabetic and non-diabetic patients

Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator interval release for the treatment of frozen shoulder and compare the results in patients with and without diabetes. Methods: thirty-two patients with frozen shoulders were divided into two groups; 19 diabetics and 13 non-diabetics. All patients underwent arthroscopic rotator interval release. The VAS and UCLA score were assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively; after 1, 3, and 12 months and compared between groups. Results: The VAS and UCLA score was significantly improved in both groups during follow-up intervals (p  0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic rotator interval release provides significant improvement of frozen shoulder with no difference in results between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Level of evidence: Level 2; Prospective Comparative study

Radial shortening, bone grafting and vascular pedicle implantation versus radial shortening alone in Kienböck’s disease

We prospectively compared outcomes of two surgical procedures for Stage II and IIIa Kienböck’s disease with negative ulnar variance. Group I (13 wrists) was treated with radial shortening alone, and Group II (14 wrists) with combined radial shortening, bone grafting and implantation of a vascular pedicle. At follow-up 3 to 7 years (mean 4.5) after operation, scores by the Quick version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and scores for pain and grip strength were significantly better in Group II, but the differences were rather small. On MRI all patients in Group II had revascularization, but 11 patients in Group I had not. We conclude that combining radial shortening with the revascularization procedure improved revascularization. Clinically, both treatments were efficient, and the additional bone grafting and vascular pedicle insertion did not greatly improve function, although statistically there were differences in several follow-up variables. This study also could not identify the independent role of the three procedures (drilling, grafting and artery insertion) in Group II, because decompression or bone grafting alone may be effective. Level of evidence: II </jats:p