Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

In this retrospective study, 82 patients who admitted to shoulder surgery clinic of shohada-ye 7th Tit Hospital from March 1995 to March 1997 were analyzed. Of these patients, 42 were male and 40 were female. The ages of male patients ranged from 25 to 75 years and of female patients from 25 to 65 years. The mean age of males was 49.19 and females was 45.97 years. Right shoulder was affected in the majority of patients. Referrals were more in spring and summer, but patients believed that cold can aggravate pain. The etiology was unknown but they have mentioned history of trauma, car accident, diabetes, occupational problems and .... In present study, subacromial bursitis was the most common cause of shoulder pain. of 82 patients, 46 (56%) were improved by proper medica) ther,apye i.e. administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy based on Neer's protocol ana in some cases, especially in those older than 40 years, subacromial corticosteroid injection. 14 cases (18%) who did not respond to medical therapy, refused to be followed up. 22 cases (26%) underwent surgical therapy. Of these latter cases, 11 were male and 11 were female and all had received medical therapy before operation. Complete physical examination, different laboratory tests and radiography - three views - were performed for all cases. Arthrography, MRI, CT scanning and ultrasonography were performed depending on the case. Of these 22 cases, 5 cases (3 females and 2 males) underwentpreoperative diagnostic arthroscopy for definite diagnosis. Torn labrums were removed by arthroscope in 2 of these latter 5 cases. The results of surgical operations were good and excellent in 80% of cases. So, it can be concluded that surgical operation is a good approach for those patients who are not responsive to medical therapy.