Frozen Shoulder · Calcific Tendonitis · Rotator Cuff Tears: Focused Research on Shoulder Joint Diseases
A Rising 'Young Doctor' in the Field of Shoulder Joint Disorders
[Health Korea News / Im Hae-ri]
The shoulder is the only joint in our body capable of rotating 360 degrees. Due to its wide range of motion, it is used more frequently than other joints, making it prone to strain and a higher risk of various diseases. Professor Sung-Min Rhee, an orthopedic surgeon at Kyung Hee University Hospital, is renowned for his research and treatment of shoulder diseases. Recently, we spoke with him to learn about his treatment methods for the three major shoulder diseases (Frozen Shoulder, Calcific Tendonitis, and Rotator Cuff Tears).
In July of last year, Professor Sung-Min Rhee, who founded the startup Itphy, explains the treatment methods for the three major shoulder diseases: Frozen Shoulder, Calcific Tendonitis, and Rotator Cuff Tears. [2023.03.06]
Frozen Shoulder: A Condition Where the Joint Becomes 'Frozen' and Its Range of Motion Decreases
Frozen shoulder, also known as "adhesive capsulitis," is one of the most common shoulder diseases. As the name suggests, the joint becomes "frozen," resulting in a decreased range of motion. Professor Rhee states, "The exact cause of frozen shoulder is still unknown. It occurs when the joint capsule, which allows shoulder movement, becomes narrowed, but the reasons for this narrowing remain unclear. In over 90% of cases, the condition occurs without any known cause."
Treatment for frozen shoulder involves widening the narrowed joint capsule. Non-surgical methods, such as stretching, are used to restore the capsule to its original state, though this process is often painful and challenging. Given the long recovery time, patients often become discouraged. Professor Rhee applies a treatment method in collaboration with anesthesiology, where the patient's arm is anesthetized, allowing him to stretch the shoulder and artificially widen the joint capsule. This treatment, known as "Passive Joint Mobilization," significantly shortens the long recovery period associated with frozen shoulder.
Calcific Tendonitis: A Disease Affecting the Shoulder Tendons Across a Wide Age Range
Calcific tendonitis occurs when calcium deposits form within the tendons of the shoulder, affecting individuals from their 30s to 80s. Some patients experience extreme pain, describing it as "like a knife stabbing the shoulder." Professor Rhee explains, "The exact cause of calcific tendonitis is also unclear. However, some researchers hypothesize that the condition occurs when blood flow is temporarily blocked in the shoulder tendons, leading to degeneration and calcium formation."
Treatment typically starts with non-surgical methods. Steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and pain caused by the calcium deposits. If injection treatment does not resolve the issue, a procedure called calcific tendon removal is performed using arthroscopy to remove the calcium deposits or the surrounding inflammation. In some cases, the calcium can be removed through a needle if it exists in a toothpaste-like form.
Rotator Cuff Tears: Natural Recovery Is Difficult
Rotator cuff tears occur when one or more of the four tendons (subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor) are damaged or torn, causing pain in the shoulder and arm. While torn rotator cuffs can often be treated with sutures, surgery may be required if the tear is too large to repair.
Professor Rhee states, "While frozen shoulder and calcific tendonitis typically improve with non-surgical treatments, rotator cuff tears do not heal naturally. If left untreated, the tear will continue to worsen, so surgery is generally recommended."
Developing a 'Parathyroid Hormone Therapy Injection' to Enhance Treatment EffectivenessProfessor Rhee, a rising "young doctor" in the field of shoulder joint disorders, is actively involved in research and developing his own treatment methods to improve patients' quality of life. His patented "parathyroid hormone therapy" has been a significant breakthrough for patients.
He explains, "The larger the tear in the rotator cuff, the higher the likelihood of re-tearing even after surgical repair. To reduce this risk, I developed a 'parathyroid hormone therapy injection' and have completed the patent application." He has already begun applying this treatment to patients, confirming its effectiveness through results.
Professor Rhee has also taken steps to overcome the limitations of long waiting times and short consultation hours in university hospital systems by personally purchasing sensors. He allows patients to wear the sensors during daily activities and analyzes the accumulated joint range of motion data before their next outpatient visit to provide appropriate feedback.
He says, "Since consultation time at university hospitals is limited, I’ve been exploring ways to provide more efficient care. I’ll continue to research various treatment methods so that patients can be freer from the pain of shoulder diseases."
In line with this, Professor Rhee founded Itphy in July of last year. Itphy is a digital healthcare company providing services that monitor and prevent musculoskeletal diseases. Professor Rhee states, "I will continue to focus on research and clinical work so that Itphy can play a leading role as the first digital therapeutic company for musculoskeletal disease prevention and management."
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