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Squeaking Shoulder Following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Case-Control Study
Si Heng Sharon Tan1,2, V P Kumar1,3, Joel Louis Zongwei Lim1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore.
Summary
Unusual squeaking after shoulder arthroscopy is uncommon (2.23% incidence). This study found no identified risk factors or causes, but patients experienced no functional compromise. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Squeaking noises during shoulder movement post-arthroscopy are infrequently documented.
- Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for patient management and surgical expectations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of squeaking post-arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
- To investigate potential risk factors, natural history, and functional outcomes associated with this squeaking.
- To compare outcomes between patients with and without squeaking.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year case-control study included patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
- Data collected included demographics, pathology, surgical details, and functional outcomes (pre- and post-operatively).
- Patients experiencing squeaking were compared to those who did not.
Main Results:
- The incidence of squeaking was 2.23% for all arthroscopic shoulder surgeries and 3.1% for arthroscopic shoulder labral repair.
- No significant differences were found in age, gender, BMI, hand dominance, sports participation, pathology, anchor type, or surgical duration between groups.
- Functional outcomes were comparable pre- and post-operatively at 3, 6, and 12 months for both groups.
Conclusions:
- Squeaking following arthroscopic shoulder surgery occurs in a small percentage of patients.
- No specific risk factors or etiology for the squeaking were identified in this study.
- Importantly, the presence of squeaking did not lead to functional compromise in the affected patients.
