Tomohiro Uno

All Publications

• Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis for condylar head fracture: a technical report. Oral radiology Hemmi, T., Uno, T., Yusa, K., Ishikawa, S., Iino, M. 2024

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: Double puncture arthrocentesis (DPA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMD) is considered an effective preservative option for managing mandibular condylar head fractures. However, the procedure is commonly performed by a traditional "blind" method using anatomical characteristics. In the present study, an ultrasonography (US) device was applied for the treatment of a case with a fractured mandibular condyle.METHODS: A 79-year-old female was diagnosed right side condylar head fracture complaining pain of right TMD and reduced mouth opening range: inter-incisor distance of 20mm. Since the fracture position was high and inoperable, the decision was made to perform DPA of the TMD. The US probe was positioned parallel and slightly oblique to the major axis of the mandibular ramus. Both the posterior and anterior insertions into the joint space were performed according to the axis mentioned above, which enabled the operator to visualize the entirety of the needle.RESULTS: The device offered safety and ensured accuracy by providing real-time visual aid to the surgeon. The procedure provided an early increase in the inter-incisor distance (31mm) and pain relief.CONCLUSIONS: Hence, for the preservative treatment of mandibular condylar head fractures, based on the present study, we recommend US-guided arthrocentesis as a safe, feasible, and effective therapeutic option instead of the conventional "blind" method.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s11282-024-00744-8

  View details for PubMedID 38568392

• The effect of continuous interscalene brachial plexus block for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Asia-Pacific journal of sports medicine, arthroscopy, rehabilitation and technology Uno, T., Mura, N., Yuki, I., Oishi, R., Takagi, M. 2024; 36: 6-12

  Abstract

  Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, it is challenging to control postoperative pain. This study aimed to investigate the difference between a single-shot interscalene block and a combined continuous block for ARCR.Ninety-four patients who underwent ARCR were included in this study. In the preceding period, 43 patients received a single-shot interscalene block and continuous postoperative intravenous opioid infusion (Single group). In the posterior period, 51 patients received a single-shot interscalene block preoperatively and a continuous block postoperatively (Continuous group). Their mean age at surgery was 64.9 years (range, 43-83 years). The mean follow-up period was 25.4 months (range, 24-54 months). The numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain was evaluated immediately after the surgery, at rest, and at night for 1-4 days after the surgery. One day postoperatively, the amount of food taken was assessed from 0 % (no food intake) to 100 % (all food taken). The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, range of motion (ROM), and isometric shoulder strength were evaluated.NRS at rest in the Continuous group on the day of surgery was 3.7 ± 2.5. This was significantly lower than in the Single group (5.2 ± 1.8) (P = 0.002). NRS at rest in the Continuous group on the second day after surgery was 3.0 ± 2.1, significantly lower than in the Single group (3.9 ± 1.8) (P = 0.04). The amount of food taken in the morning in the Continuous group was 61 % ± 37 %, which was significantly greater than in the Single group (35 % ± 41 %) (P = 0.004). The ROM of extension at 6 months postoperatively in the Continuous group was 47 ± 7°, which was significantly greater than in the Single group (43 ± 6°) (P = 0.02). The postoperative strength of the external rotator at 6 months in the Continuous group was 95 ± 33 N, significantly greater than in the Single group (78 ± 28 N) (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in UCLA score at any time.The continuous interscalene block with ultrasound guidance in ARCR effectively relieved pain. The recovery of ROM for extension and the strength of the external rotator was better in the Continuous group.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.asmart.2024.01.004

  View details for PubMedID 38344106

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10850117

• Patient Sex Is a Significant Factor in Arm Function Recovery After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Arthroscopy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation Shibahashi, H., Murakawa, M., Yuki, I., Uno, T., Takakubo, Y., Takagi, M. 2024; 6 (1): 100834

  Abstract

  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of patient sex on arm functional recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients who underwent rehabilitation after ARCR at two affiliated hospitals between January 2014 and December 2019. Patient characteristics included age, sex, type of muscle tear, tear location, muscle strength, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and patient responses to the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. We used mixed-effects regression models with random intercepts to evaluate the QuickDASH scores, JOA scores, and muscle strength relative to the nonoperated side.Results: Of the 124 patients, 82 (66.1%) were 65-year-old men and 42 (33.9%) were 67-year-old women. The preoperative JOA scores (P= .03) and those at 6 months (P < .001) and 12 months (P= .04) after ARCR were significantly greater for men than for women. QuickDASH scores of men were significantly lower at 24 months (P= .02) and all other time points (P < .001) than those of women. The improvement in QuickDASH scores was significantly higher for women than for men (P < .01). The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that patient sex (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.45; P < .05) had an impact on QuickDASH scores at 24 months after ARCR.Conclusion: In this study, patient sex was a significant factor affecting the recovery and QuickDASH scores of patients who underwent ARCR. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prognostic case series.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.100834

  View details for PubMedID 38162587

• Muscle belly ratio is the most suitable estimate of the activity of the torn supraspinatus muscle. JSES international Hoshikawa, K., Yuri, T., Oishi, R., Uno, T., Nagai, J., Giambini, H., Mura, N. 2023; 7 (6): 2373-2378

  Abstract

  A torn rotator cuff muscle deteriorates over time leading with an increase in muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration. There are several clinical assessments for evaluating the atrophy of the torn supraspinatus muscle. However, it is unclear which approach can more accurately estimate the activity of the torn supraspinatus muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine which magnetic resonance imaging-based muscle atrophy imaging assessment currently implemented in the clinical setting accurately estimates the activity of the torn supraspinatus muscle.Forty patients who were diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear and were candidates for repairs were selected for this study. Cross-sectional area, occupation ratio, and tangent sign were analyzed on T1-weighted oblique sagittal plane magnetic resonance images in which the scapular spine leads to the Y-section. Muscle belly ratio of the supraspinatus muscle was analyzed by calculating the ratio of the width of the muscle belly to the distance from the greater tubercle to the proximal end of the muscle on T1-weighted coronal plane magnetic resonance imaging images. Fatty infiltration was evaluated using the Goutallier classification system. Tear size was obtained intraoperatively by measuring the width and length of the tear and classified based on the Cofield's classification. To assess activity of the torn supraspinatus muscle, participants were first instructed to sit on a chair with the affected arm resting on a table and the shoulder abducted to 60° in the scapular plane with neutral rotation. Elasticity of the supraspinatus muscle belly was then obtained at rest and during isometric contraction using with real-time tissue elastography. Muscle activity, a surrogate for contractility, was defined as the difference between the elasticities measured at rest and during isometric contraction. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to investigate independent factors, such as sex, tear width, cross-sectional area, occupation ratio, tangent sign, and muscle belly ratio, related to muscle activity.Stepwise multiple regression analysis (R2 = 0.522, P < .001) revealed that supraspinatus muscle activity was significantly correlated with muscle belly ratio (β = 0.306, P = .044) and Goutallier stage (β = -0.490, P = .002).Estimations of muscle belly ratio are most suitable for assessing the activity of a torn supraspinatus muscle compared to other clinical measurements.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.07.004

  View details for PubMedID 37969501

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10638582

• Shoulder activity of the contralateral shoulder as a prognostic factor in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. JSES international Uno, T., Mura, N., Yuki, I., Takagi, M. 2023; 7 (3): 420-426

  Abstract

  This study aimed to investigate the prognosticator of the contralateral rotator cuff in patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for symptomatic rotator cuff tear (RCT).A total of 104 patients with a mean age of 64.7 years (range, 40-83 years) underwent ARCR and were checked for the presence of a contralateral RCT using preoperative ultrasonography. Preoperative demographic data, including patients' occupations and sports activities, were also evaluated.The mean follow-up period for the operated shoulder was 25.0 months (range, 12-72 months). An RCT of the contralateral shoulder was observed in 40 of the 104 (38.5%) patients. Contralateral shoulder pain was observed in 16 (40%) and 15 (23.1%) patients in the RCT group preoperatively and the non-tear group, respectively. Of the 31 patients with shoulder pain, a poor prognosis was seen in 17 (54.8%). Statistical significance was observed between the active and sedentary groups in the RCT group, with eight patients (30.8%) in the active group and none in the sedentary group having a poor prognosis (P = .02). In contrast, in the non-tear group, a poor prognosis was observed in four patients (10.5%) in the active group, which was not significantly different compared to the five patients (19.2%) in the sedentary group (P = .33).For patients in the active group, RCTs are a risk factor for poor prognosis in the contralateral shoulder of ARCR.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.01.008

  View details for PubMedID 37266164

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10229406

• Effectiveness of Bone Marrow-Derived Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rabbit Degenerative Model. The American journal of sports medicine Uno, T., Maruyama, M., Satake, H., Takakubo, Y., Toyono, S., Xing, L., Huang, H., Yuki, I., Suzuki, A., Mura, N., Takagi, M. 2022; 50 (12): 3341-3354

  Abstract

  Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate. Although peripheral blood-derived PRF (P-PRF) is commonly applied in biological augmentation, there is no report about the therapeutic effect of bone marrow-derived PRF (BM-PRF) for degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs).To examine the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), P-PRF, and BM-PRF during rotator cuff repair (RCR) in degenerative RCTs in rabbits. We hypothesized that BM-PRF would accelerate the bone-tendon healing after RCR.Controlled laboratory study.Degenerative RCT models were created 2 weeks before beginning the study, and 68 juvenile rabbits were divided into 4 groups: the control, PRP, P-PRF, and BM-PRF groups. RCR without augmentation was done in the control group. PRP was prepared by centrifuging peripheral blood twice using a plastic tube. P-PRF and BM-PRF were prepared by centrifuging peripheral blood and bone marrow, respectively, using a glass tube. Rabbits from PRP, P-PRF, and BM-PRF groups were administered the augmentation in a similar fashion for RCR, between the rotator cuff and the footprint of the humerus. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks, rabbits were euthanized and histologically assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Alcian blue staining, and immunohistochemical staining for type I and III collagen. The sections were also evaluated with immunofluorescence staining of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at 4 weeks.The continuity was significantly better in the BM-PRF group at 4 weeks (P < .05). Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that VEGF-positive stained cells were significantly greater in the BM-PRF group than in the control group (P < .01). The modified tendon maturing score was significantly greater in the BM-PRF group than in the control and PRP groups at 12 weeks (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the modified tendon maturing score of the P-PRF group compared with the control group.The rabbit model of degenerative RCTs demonstrated that RCR combined with BM-PRF enhanced tendon-bone continuity and increased the VEGF-positive cells at 4 weeks and obtained preferable tendon-bone maturation at 12 weeks.RCR augmented with BM-PRF has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for RCTs.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/03635465221116084

  View details for PubMedID 35998037

• Midterm results of endoscopically assisted first rib resection in the zero position for thoracic outlet syndrome. Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery Satake, H., Honma, R., Nito, T., Naganuma, Y., Shibuya, J., Maruyama, M., Uno, T., Takagi, M. 2022; 35 (4)

  Abstract

  We have hypothesized that an endoscopically assisted transaxillary approach in the zero position would be able to improve visualization and allow safe surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.We performed surgery only for patients with certain objective findings, including blood flow disruption, low blood flow and accelerated blood flow in the subclavian artery demonstrated using Doppler sonography, narrowing of the scalene interval width between the anterior and middle interscalene muscles (interscalene base) or costoclavicular space demonstrated using Duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography angiography. The present study included 45 consecutive patients (50 limbs) who underwent endoscopic transaxillary first rib resection with scalenotomy and brachial plexus neurolysis. We assessed the intraoperative parameters, including the interscalene base, blood loss, operation time, patient satisfaction, preoperative and postoperative Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and complications.The mean intraoperatively measured interscalene base width was 6.4 mm. All patients showed improvement after surgery. The outcome was excellent in 40% of cases, good in 48%, fair in 12% and poor in none. Pneumothorax was present in 6%. There were no other complications and no recurrences. Among patients who had been followed up for at least 2 years, the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was significantly improved (42 before surgery vs 12 at final follow-up), especially in athletes relative to non-athletes (0.2 vs 16). The present approach achieved complete relief in 43% of cases overall (91% in athletes and 16% in non-athletes).Endoscopically assisted transaxillary first rib resection and brachial plexus neurolysis in the zero position are useful and safe for thoracic outlet syndrome, especially in athletes.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/icvts/ivac239

  View details for PubMedID 36094365

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9536291

• Conservative treatment for stable osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow before epiphyseal closure: effectiveness of elbow immobilization for healing. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Takahara, M., Uno, T., Maruyama, M., Harada, M., Mitachi, R., Ono, H., Satake, H., Takagi, M. 2022; 31 (6): 1231-1241

  Abstract

  Stable lesions of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum have been treated with activity restriction (AR), and the complete healing requires 1 or 2 years. Little is known about the effectiveness of elbow immobilization. We hypothesized that elbow immobilization would have positive effects on healing of stable OCD.The study subjects were 43 patients (mean age: 12.2 years) with 43 stable OCD lesions of the prematured elbow (mean skeletal age score: 17.1 points of 0-27 points system). The subjects were divided into 3 groups: group A, AR without elbow immobilization, 22 cases; group B, splint (mean: 8.8 weeks) followed by AR, 9 cases; and group C, cast (mean: 3.7 weeks) followed by splint (mean: 7.3 weeks) and AR, 12 cases. The mean nonoperative observation period was 17.5 months (minimum three months). On anteroposterior radiographs of the elbow at 45 degrees of flexion, 5 observers independently assessed the healing of the capitellum, and the interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were examined. The differences in outcomes among 3 groups were also examined.The interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of the radiographic assessment were almost perfect (Cohen kappa value: 0.82 and 0.91, respectively). There were no significant differences in age, sports played, or stage of the lesion before the treatment. The proportion of patients returning to sports and the mean period required were 77% and 8.2 months in group A, 78% and 5.7 months in group B, and 83% and 4.4 months in group C, respectively. The proportion of patients showing ossification in the central aspect of the capitellum and the mean period required were 67% and 8.2 months in group A, 63% and 4.9 months in group B, and 91% and 1.9 months in group C, respectively. The proportion of patients showing complete healing and the mean period required were 41% and 16.4 months in group A, 67% and 7.0 months in group B, and 92% and 5.5 months in group C, respectively. Compared to group A, group C showed a significantly earlier return to sports (P = .034), a significantly shorter period required for ossification (P < .001), and significantly higher proportion of patients with complete healing (P = .012) within a significantly shorter period (P = .009).Elbow immobilization had positive effects on healing and enabled both an early return to sports and complete healing. Cast immobilization is recommended as a first choice of nonoperative treatment for stable OCD lesions of the elbow before epiphyseal closure.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jse.2022.01.148

  View details for PubMedID 35247573

• Factors correlated with the optimal tension for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using Grasper Tensioning Attachment. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Uno, T., Mura, N., Yuki, I., Oishi, R., Takagi, M. 2022; 31 (5): e213-e222

  Abstract

  Little is known about the optimal tension in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). This study aimed to identify preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors that correlate with the tension in ARCR and to determine the optimal intraoperative tension using Grasper Tensioning Attachment, a tension meter attached to the common arthroscopic surgical grasper.This study included 63 patients with a mean age at surgery of 65.3 years (range, 45-83 years) who underwent ARCR. The mean follow-up period was 24.1 months (range, 24-28 months). We investigated the patients' demographic data, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, DeOrio and Cofield classification, and Goutallier stage of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. We also evaluated cuff integrity based on the Sugaya classification via magnetic resonance imaging. The free edge of the torn retracted tendon was grasped, and the passive tension to the footprint was then measured with Grasper Tensioning Attachment with the arm at the side. The anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) diameters were also measured.The preoperative Goutallier stage of the supraspinatus muscle was stage 0 in 7 cases, stage 1 in 34, stage 2 in 20, and stage 3 in 2. The mean intraoperative rotator repair tension was 10.0 ± 2.5 N (range, 7.5-17 N). The mean AP diameter of the rotator cuff tear was 22 ± 10 mm (range, 8-50 mm), and the mean ML diameter was 24 ± 10 mm (range, 10-50 mm). Age, DeOrio and Cofield classification, Goutallier stage, AP diameter, and ML diameter correlated with rotator repair tension. The rotator repair tension in Sugaya classification type III or IV cases (n = 12, 11.4 ± 2.4 N) was significantly larger than that in type I or II cases (n = 51, 9.7 ± 2.4 N; P = .03). Tension ≥ 10 N as a cutoff value from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was a risk factor for poor cuff integrity (95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.88).Rotator repair tension ≥ 10 N was a risk factor for poor cuff integrity. Thus, care should be taken when performing intraoperative procedures and administering postoperative regimens.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jse.2021.10.004

  View details for PubMedID 34687919

• Staging of osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow based on pathologic progression in the partially detached articular fragment. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Takahara, M., Uno, T., Maruyama, M., Harada, M., Satake, H., Takahara, D., Takagi, M. 2022; 31 (2): 391-401

  Abstract

  Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is considered to show the following stages of pathologic progression: IA, nearly normal-cartilaginous; IB, deteriorated-cartilaginous; IIA, cartilage-ossifying; and IIB, cartilage-osteonecrotic. However, the validity of this pathologic staging for OCD has yet to be confirmed in a large number of cases.The aim of the present study was to confirm the clinical validity of the proposed pathologic staging of OCD.The subjects were 74 patients (mean age, 14.2 years; mean skeletal age score, 25.6 points) with capitellar OCD. Partially detached articular fragments were surgically removed and were examined histologically. The articular fragments were independently assessed by 5 observers, and the reliability of assessment was examined. The correlation between the pathologic stages and the clinical data was analyzed.The reliability of the assessment among 5 observers was almost perfect. OCD stages of IA, IB, IIA, and IIB were evident in 8, 36, 10, and 20 patients, respectively. OCD-I (cartilaginous) and OCD-II (osteochondral) corresponded significantly to radiographic stage I (radiolucency) and stage II (delayed ossification), respectively. The pathologic OCD stages were significantly correlated with the clinical data, including the period from symptom onset to surgery, patient age, and the skeletal age score (P < .01).Our results confirmed that the proposed pathologic staging of OCD corresponds to the observed clinical progression of OCD, thus validating the staging system. Our findings revealed that OCD begins with separation beneath the epiphyseal cartilage, which is programmed to be replaced with bone. When a stage IA articular fragment has remained partially detached for a prolonged period, the epiphyseal cartilage may be deteriorated and become degenerated, and subsequent ossification may not occur, as is evident in OCD-IB. In contrast, stage IA with a vascular supply through the fibrocartilaginous connection can progress to stage IIA. During the prolonged period in which the osteochondral articular fragment remains ununited, microtrauma can cause to disturb the blood supply to the bony fragment, resulting in osteonecrosis (stage IIB).

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jse.2021.08.006

  View details for PubMedID 34478862

• Combining Cylindrical Bone Graft and Headless Screw Fixation for Nonunion of the Medial Trochlea of the Elbow: A Case Report. JBJS case connector Uno, T., Honma, R., Takahara, M., Satake, H., Oishi, R., Maruyama, M., Takagi, M. 2022; 12 (2)

  Abstract

  CASE: A 19-year-old handballer presented with elbow pain and nonunion of the medial trochlea of the elbow. He had undergone earlier surgery for an elbow injury at 6 years of age. Revision surgery for nonunion was performed using an extra-articular method combining cylindrical bone graft and headless screw fixation. Partial union was observed, and he resumed sports after 3 months, with his limb largely pain-free and functional. At the 21-month follow-up, bone healing was complete.CONCLUSIONS: Combining cylindrical bone graft and headless screw fixation using the extra-articular technique is an option for managing nonunion of the medial trochlea of the elbow.

  View details for DOI e22.00096

  View details for PubMedID 36099502

• A Systolic Blood Pressure of 100 mm Hg Is Optimal for Optimal Visualization in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in the Beach-Chair Position. Arthroscopy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation Shingu, M., Mura, N., Uno, T., Oishi, R., Koseki, T., Sakurada, K. 2021; 3 (6): e1883-e1889

  Abstract

  To investigate the relationship between visualization and blood pressure during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) in the beach-chair position and to clarify the optimal blood pressure to maintain good visualization during surgery.One senior surgeon evaluated intraoperative visualization at the start of arthroscopy, at acromioplasty, at the refresh of the footprint on the greater tuberosity, at marrow vent creation in the footprint on the greater tuberosity, and at rotator cuff fixation. The evaluation grades were: 5, clear; 4, mild bleeding; 3, bleeding but operable; 2, poor visualization due to bleeding; and 1, inability to continue surgery due to massive bleeding. During ARCR, an arterial line was inserted, and blood pressure was measured continuously. The relationship between visualization and blood pressure was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed with evaluation grades 5 and 4 as the good visualization group and the other evaluation grades as the poor visualization group.Visualization assessment and systolic/diastolic blood pressure were associated at the start of arthroscopy (P = .0257/.0057), at acromioplasty (P = .0023/.0399), and at the refresh of the footprint (P = .0201/.0272). The average blood pressure of evaluation grade 5 cases was 91/50 mm Hg. The cut-off values, based on the area under the curve on receiver operating characteristic analysis, were as follows: 104/60 mm Hg (0.91-0.95) at acromioplasty; 116/70 (0.94-0.96) at the refresh of the footprint; 116/70 mm Hg (0.94-0.96) at the refresh of the footprint; and 106/58 mm Hg (0.73-0.70) at marrow vent creation.Good visualization during ARCR in the beach-chair position was significantly associated with blood pressure. An optimal blood pressure resulting in good visualization that would not cause excessive hypotension during ARCR surgery in the beach-chair position might be a systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg.III, prospective, nonrandomized, observational study.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.asmr.2021.09.003

  View details for PubMedID 34977644

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8689269

• Differences in subtrochanteric and diaphyseal atypical femoral fractures in a super-aging prefectural area: YamaCAFe Study. Journal of bone and mineral metabolism Takakubo, Y., Miyaji, T., Ohta, D., Ito, J., Oki, H., Momma, R., Naganuma, Y., Honma, R., Akabane, T., Uno, T., Sasaki, A., Suran, Y., Dairaku, K., Goto, S., Goto, Y., Kanauchi, Y., Kobayashi, S., Nakajima, T., Matsuda, M., Masuda, K., Mura, N., Takenouchi, K., Tsuchida, H., Onuma, Y., Shibuya, J., Nagase, T., Yamaguchi, O., Urayama, Y., Furukawa, T., Okuda, S., Huang, H., Noro, A., Ogura, K., Nakamura, T., Sasaki, K., Ishi, M., Takagi, M. 2021; 39 (4): 700-711

  Abstract

  Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) have been correlated with long-term use of bisphosphonates (BPs), glucocorticoids (GCs), and femoral geometry. We investigated the incidence and characteristics of subtrochanteric (ST) and diaphyseal (DP) AFFs in all institutes in a super-aging prefectural area.We performed a blinded analysis of radiographic data in 87 patients with 98 AFFs in all institutes in Yamagata prefectural area from 2009 to 2014. Among the 98 AFFs, 57 AFFs comprising 11 ST fractures in 9 patients and 46 DP fractures in 41 patients with adequate medical records and X-rays were surveyed for time to bone healing and geometry.Of the 87 patients, 67 received BPs/denosumab (77%) and 10 received GCs (11%). Surgery was performed in 94 AFFs. Among 4 AFFs with conservative therapy, 3 required additional surgery. In univariate regression analyses for ST group versus DP group, male-to-female ratio was 2/7 versus 1/40, mean age at fracture was 58.2 (37-75) versus 78 (60-89) years, rheumatic diseases affected 55.5% (5/9) versus 4.9% (2/41), femoral lateral bowing angle was 1.7 (0-6) versus 11.8 (0.8-24)°, GC usage was 67% (6/9) versus 4.9% (2/41), and bone healing time was 12.1 (6-20) versus 8.1 (3-38) months (p < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, higher male-to-female ratio, younger age, greater proportion affected by rheumatic diseases, and higher GC usage remained significant (p < 0.05).The incidence of AFFs in our prefectural area was 1.43 cases/100,000 persons/year. This study suggests that the onset of ST AFFs have greater correlation with the worse bone quality, vice versa, the onset of DP AFFs correlated with the bone geometry. The developmental mechanisms of AFFs may differ significantly between ST and DP fractures.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00774-021-01215-4

  View details for PubMedID 33821304

• Qualitative and quantitative assessments of radiographic healing of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum. JSES international Uno, T., Takahara, M., Maruyama, M., Harada, M., Satake, H., Takagi, M. 2021; 5 (3): 554-560

  Abstract

  Little is known about the optimal timing of early return to sports after which the osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion can completely heal. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical outcomes of nonoperative treatment and elucidate the relationship between the radiographic findings and the timing for the return to sports.We performed a retrospective review of 32 patients who presented with stable OCD of the capitellum and were treated nonoperatively for a minimum of 3 months. The mean follow-up period was 22.1 months. OCD lesions were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively on anteroposterior radiographs of the elbow at 45° of flexion every 3 months. The width of the OCD lesion (OCDw) and lateral width of the normal capitellum were measured and were associated with return to sports activities.In 21 patients (66%), the progression of ossification was seen at a mean period of 4.1 months. Eighteen (56%) had partial union at a mean period of 4.3 months. Twenty-nine cases (91%) returned to sports activities after a mean of 4.6 months. Nine cases (28%) achieved complete union after a mean period of 15.0 months. Fifteen (47%) required surgery after a mean period of 11.8 months. The mean OCDw (%) was 10.2 ± 3.9 mm (56%) at the initial presentation and 8.0 ± 6.0 mm (41%) at the final follow-up examination, and the decrease in OCDw was 2.2 ± 3.1 mm (15%). The mean decrease in OCDw in patients with progression of ossification during the first 3 months was significantly larger than in patients without progression of ossification (4.9 ± 4.7 mm and -0.7 ± 4.5 mm, respectively; P = .002). In patients who had both an OCDw value of <8.0 mm and a lateral width value of >2.0 mm at the time of the return to sports, the rate of successful nonoperative treatment (86%) and complete union (71%) was significantly higher in comparison with other patients (P = .03 and P = .02).OCD lesions showed difficult healing in the middle one-third of the capitellum. The progression of ossification during the first 3 months was a significant predictor of successful nonoperative treatment and complete union. Surgery should be considered for lesions without the progression of ossification during the first 3 months. We propose both an OCD lesion width of <8.0 mm and a lateral normal width of >2.0 mm as radiographic landmarks of the timing of the return to sports.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jseint.2021.01.004

  View details for PubMedID 34136870

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8178641

• Progression of Epiphyseal Cartilage and Bone Pathology in Surgically Treated Cases of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow. The American journal of sports medicine Takahara, M., Maruyama, M., Uno, T., Harada, M., Satake, H., Takahara, D., Takagi, M. 2020: 363546520969423

  Abstract

  Although a variety of pathologic conditions associated with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) have been reported, the pathological progression has remained unclear.Separation of the immature epiphyseal cartilage is an early event in OCD, and osteonecrosis in the articular fragment is a late event.Case Series; Level of evidence, 4.The participants were 26 boys (mean age, 13.8 years; mean skeletal age score for the elbow, 24.6 points) with capitellar OCD who underwent osteochondral autograft transplantation. A total of 28 cylindrical osteochondral plugs, including the articular fragment, an intermediate layer, and proximal epiphyseal bone, were harvested from the central area of the capitellum and were examined histologically. The articular fragments of OCD were independently assessed by 5 observers and divided into 4 pathological variations: IA, nearly normal-cartilaginous; IB, deteriorated-cartilaginous; IIA, cartilage-ossifying; and IIB, cartilage-osteonecrotic. The reliability of assessment and the correlation of the pathological variations with the clinical data were examined.The reliability of the assessment among 5 observers was almost perfect (Cohen kappa value = 0.91). OCD variations of IA, IB, IIA, and IIB were evident in 5, 10, 5, and 6 patients, respectively. OCD-I (cartilaginous) and OCD-II (osteochondral) corresponded significantly to radiographic stage I (radiolucency or slight calcification with open physis) and stage II (delayed ossification or bony fragment), respectively (Cohen kappa value = 0.79; percentage agreement = 81%). The pathological OCD variations were significantly correlated with the clinical data, including the period from symptom onset to surgery, patient age, and the skeletal age score (P < .01, in each).The present study has revealed that the pathological variations correspond to the progression of OCD, thus proving our hypothesis. OCD-IA was shown to be an early lesion caused by separation of the immature epiphyseal cartilage. OCD-IB appeared to result from ossification arrest over a prolonged period from the onset of OCD-IA, whereas OCD-IIA showed delayed ossification in the epiphyseal cartilage where vascularization from the surrounding bone had been established. Osteonecrosis in OCD-IIB was shown to be a late pathological event caused by disruption of the vascular supply to OCD-IIA.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0363546520969423

  View details for PubMedID 33196301

• Outcome of conservative treatment for Little League shoulder in young baseball players: factors related to incomplete return to baseball and recurrence of pain. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Harada, M., Takahara, M., Maruyama, M., Kondo, M., Uno, T., Takagi, M., Mura, N. 2018; 27 (1): 1-9

  Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with poor results and pain recurrence in young baseball players with Little League shoulder (LLS).Eighty-seven young baseball players with LLS (mean age, 12.1 years) underwent conservative treatment. Of the players, 68 (78%) underwent conservative treatment involving the prohibition of throwing for an average of 1.2 months whereas the remaining 19 (22%) continued throwing with limitations. We analyzed the factors associated with poor results at 2 months and pain recurrence.At 2 months, 18% of participants reported the presence of pain, and the results regarding the return to baseball were as follows: complete return in 43%, incomplete return in 33%, and no return in 24%. A total of 83 subjects (95%) had completely returned at an average of 2.8 months. Pain recurrence was present in 20 subjects (25%) at an average of 6.2 months. Statistical analysis showed that the following factors were significantly associated with poor results at 2 months: longer period from initial presentation to throwing prohibition and worse shoulder flexibility (P = .04 and P = .01, respectively). It also revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with pain recurrence: higher frequency of pain at 2 months and longer duration until complete return (P = .0003 and P = .04, respectively).It is important for subjects with LLS to be prohibited from throwing immediately after initial presentation. Good shoulder flexibility was associated with a return to baseball without pain. A complete return in subjects who had pain at 2 months was significantly delayed, and these subjects exhibited more rapidly recurring pain after their return.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jse.2017.08.018

  View details for PubMedID 29054382

• The Incidence of Atypical Femoral Fractures in Patients with Rheumatic Disease: Yamagata Prefectural Committee of Atypical Femoral Fractures (YamaCAFe) Study. The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine Takakubo, Y., Ohta, D., Ishi, M., Ito, J., Oki, H., Naganuma, Y., Uno, T., Sasaki, A., Akabane, T., Dairaku, K., Goto, S., Goto, Y., Kanauchi, Y., Kobayashi, S., Nakajima, T., Masuda, K., Matsuda, M., Mura, N., Takenouchi, K., Tsuchida, H., Onuma, Y., Shibuya, J., Seino, M., Yamaguchi, O., Hiragami, K., Urayama, Y., Furukawa, T., Okuda, S., Ogura, K., Nakamura, T., Sasaki, K., Konta, T., Takagi, M. 2017; 242 (4): 327-334

  Abstract

  Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) have been reported to occur with minimal or spontaneous subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures with a characteristic transverse pattern, compared with typical femoral fractures in young patients with high-energy trauma. AFFs are related to long-term use of bisphosphonates (BPs), glucocorticoids and rheumatic diseases. We have estimated a blind analysis of AFFs in rheumatic patients receiving BPs and glucocorticoids ordinary over a long time in all Yamagata prefectural area through radiographic examination. The 123 AFFs including suspected cases over six years were collected and reviewed by two independent orthopedic surgeons. We found 86 patients with a total of 99 AFFs between 2009 and 2014 (1.43 cases/100,000 person/year). Of these 99 AFFs, 11 were in 8 rheumatic patients including three patients with bilateral AFFs. The incidence of AFFs in rheumatic patients had trend to increase from 2012. The mean age of all 8 patients was 54.9 years. All 8 patients received BPs and 7/8 received prednisolone (PSL). The mean dose of PSL was 14 mg/day. Compared to patients with unilateral AFFs, those with bilateral AFFs in rheumatic patients were on a higher dose of PSL (20 mg/day vs. 7 mg/day) and had less femoral neck-shaft angle (129° vs. 136°, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the incidence of AFFs in rheumatic patients showed a trend to increase from 2012 to 2014 in Yamagata prefecture. Careful management of AFFs is of particular importance in rheumatic patients who have taken high doses of PSL and have small femoral neck-shaft angle.

  View details for DOI 10.1620/tjem.242.327

  View details for PubMedID 28883214

• Treatment for Ulnar Neuritis Around the Elbow in Adolescent Baseball Players: Factors Associated With Poor Outcome. The American journal of sports medicine Maruyama, M., Satake, H., Takahara, M., Harada, M., Uno, T., Mura, N., Takagi, M. 2017; 45 (4): 803-809

  Abstract

  Ulnar neuritis around the elbow is one of the injuries seen in throwing athletes. Outcomes of nonsurgical treatment and factors associated with failure outcomes have not been reported.To investigate the outcomes of treatments for ulnar neuritis in adolescent baseball players.Case series; Level of evidence, 4.We assessed 40 male baseball players with a mean age of 15.0 years (range, 13-17 years) who presented with ulnar neuritis. There were 19 pitchers and 21 fielders whose throwing side was affected. All patients had elbow pain, and 13 patients had hand numbness on the ulnar side. The mean Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) overhead athlete shoulder and elbow score was 52.5 at the first follow-up visit (n = 36 patients). Thirteen patients were identified with ulnar nerve subluxation, and 23 patients had concomitant elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury. All patients underwent nonsurgical treatment, which included rehabilitation exercises and prohibition of throwing. If the nonsurgical treatment failed, we recommended surgical treatment. We investigated the outcomes of the nonsurgical and surgical treatments. Return to sports was evaluated, combined with factors associated with return to sports in nonsurgical treatment by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis.The mean follow-up period was 23.6 months (range, 6-39 months). After nonsurgical treatment, 24 patients (60%) returned to the previous competition level after a mean of 2.4 months. Two patients returned to a recreational level. One patient gave up playing baseball at 2 months. The remaining 13 patients underwent surgery and returned to sports after a mean of 2.0 months postoperatively, and 12 had no limitation of sports activities. Multivariate logistical regression analysis demonstrated that hand numbness, ulnar nerve subluxation, and UCL injury were associated with failure of nonsurgical treatment ( P < .05). In addition, KJOC score of <45 at the first follow-up tended to be associated with poor outcomes of nonsurgical treatment ( P = .06).Hand numbness on the ulnar side, ulnar nerve subluxation, and UCL injury are strong predictors of poor outcomes after nonsurgical treatment for ulnar neuritis, and surgery provides excellent results.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0363546516675169

  View details for PubMedID 27940806