[Shoulder function and scores in 180 asymptomatic individuals aged over 75 years]. / Scores fonctionnels de l'épaule asymptomatique dans une population de 180 patients âgés de plus de 75 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to define the normal shoulder in patients aged over 75 years and to look for correlations between general health, mental status and shoulder function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Shoulder motion, rotator cuff strength and abnormal movements were evaluated in 180 subjects over 75 without surgical history involving the shoulder. Body mass index (BMI) was determined for each subject. The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) was performed and the Constant and Murley score was calculated for each shoulder. The Beck test was used to assess depression. When joint function was impaired, supplementary x-ray and ultrasound examinations were performed. RESULTS: Asymptomatic pathological features (rotator cuff tears, stiffness, degenerative joint disease) were identified in 56% of the shoulders. Only 44% of the shoulders were free of pathological features. 56.4% of rotator cuff tears were found in the dominant shoulder; 13.9% of subjects had bilateral degenerative joint disease; 23.3% had bilateral stiffness. There were many associated conditions: cardiovascular (33%), pulmonary (28%), gastrointestinal (25.6%), diabetes (12.2%), tumors (10.6%). 18.3% of the subjects were depressive and 14.4% were taking treatment for depression. Shoulder motion and strength were correlated with BMI and nutritional status. Thin subjects (BMI < 20) had more rotator cuff tears. Obese subjects (BMI > 29.9) had more degenerative joint disease and joint stiffness. Demand for treatment and examinations were greater among depressed subjects. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Shoulder function is compatible with normal lifestyle in subjects over 75, corresponding to their desires and expectations. Shoulder function is correlated with body mass index and mental status. We should carefully assess shoulders in elderly subjects because good shoulder function, even if impaired, is often compatible with moderate stiffness, mild osteoarthritis, and rotator cuff tears, with no particular need for surgery.

[Correlation between osteoporosis and types of fractures of the proximal femur: clinical and X-Ray study of 284 cases]. / Corrélation entre l'ostéoporose et les formes anatomo-cliniques des fractures du fémur proximal.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femoral fractures are the most severe medical and social consequence of osteoporosis. The bone loss in the proximal femur can be assessed with the Singh Index, which represents a cheap and reproducible method and which quantifies the osteoporosis on a 1-6 scale. The purpose of the study is to correlate the Singh Index with the anatomical forms of fracture (extra and intracapsular) in a series of patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three hundred consecutive patients over 60 years were operated for a proximal femur fracture. 284 radiological records were included in the study. They were classified in 4 age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90 and more). The anatomic forms were classified following the AO scheme in extracapsular (A1, A2, A3) and respectively intracapsular fractures (B1, B2, B3). For each case the Singh Index was assessed twice on a standard AP view of the controlateral hip by a single examiner. RESULTS: There were 154 extracapsular fractures and 130 intracapsular fractures. The average Singh Index was 2.6/6. It decreases from 3.7/6 for males and 3.2/6 for females in age between 60-69 to 1.6 for males and 1.3 for females over 90. In all age groups females are more osteoporotic (0.3-0.5 of difference, p=0.003). The extracapsular fractures presented with a lower average Singh Index (2,34/6) compared to the intracapsular types 2,55/6 (excepting the impacted coxa-valga B1. This finding is seen in both male (2,50 vs 2,66) and female patients (2,33 vs 2,48). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this series patients with extracapsular proximal femur fractures show a lower Singh Index compared to the intracapsular types (p=0.03). The choice for the type of osteosynthesis or arthroplasty should take into account the mechanical solidity of the femur.

Intrinsic stability of unused and retrieved polyethylene glenoid components.

The surface geometry of polyethylene components can be altered by in vivo use. The purpose of this investigation is to document the effects of these changes on the intrinsic stability provided by the glenoid component. We validated a method of measuring the intrinsic stability of glenoid components as indicated by the balance stability angle (the maximal angle between the glenoid centerline and the resultant humeral force before dislocation of the humeral head occurs). We compared observed values with those predicted for unused glenoid components for which the geometry was known. We then applied this method to retrieved glenoid components in which the surface geometry had been altered by in vivo use. The balance stability angles measured in retrieved glenoids were often substantially reduced: 11 of 24 glenoids had diminished balance stability angles of at least 30% in at least one direction. We concluded that the surface geometry of polyethylene glenoid components can be altered by in vivo use in a manner that may compromise their contribution to glenohumeral stability.

Observations on retrieved polyethylene glenoid components.

It is recognized that retrieved polyethylene hip and knee components may undergo substantial changes from their preimplantation form. Little information is available, however, regarding retrieved polyethylene glenoid components. We report on 39 glenoid components removed at an average of 2.5 years after implantation. Of components for which clinical data were available, the commonest reason for the revision arthroplasty was loosening of the glenoid component; many components also showed glenohumeral instability. The articular surface contours of most of the components were altered. Of components, 28 had obvious erosion of the rim, 27 had surface irregularities, 11 were fractured, and 9 had central wear. These observations in retrieved glenoid components point to the potential of polyethylene for deformation in vivo, especially when the mechanics of the arthroplasty are compromised.

Management of the stiff shoulder.

Shoulder stiffness occurs as a result of (1) contractures of the intraarticular capsule or muscle-tendon units or (2) adhesions within the extraarticular humeroscapular or scapulothoracic motion interface. These contractures or adhesions may occur independently or in combination. A thorough history and physical examination usually reveal the diagnosis (idiopathic frozen shoulder or posttraumatic stiff shoulder) and the anatomical locations of fibrosis that is causing stiffness, and identifies other treatable conditions associated with shoulder stiffness (such as diabetes). A gentle home program of passive stretching is effective in most patients. When the home program is not effective, a manipulation or surgical release may be indicated. If manipulation is not effective, capsular contractures are best released arthroscopically as this allows circumferential release without damaging the rotator cuff and thus allows rehabilitation without the need to protect the rotator cuff. The humeroscapular motion interface adhesions can be released either open or arthroscopically, but we believe that an open release combined with an arthroscopic capsular release is quicker and does not interfere with rehabilitation. When necessary, operative management coupled with an aggressive rehabilitation program can provide significant relief of pain and restoration of shoulder motion. Approximately 90% of patients can expect a good result with this treatment algorithm.

The lateral impaction of the shoulder.

17 patients had radiographic demonstration of injury to the clavicle, scapula and ribs from an impact delivered to the lateral shoulder. The study included 13 males and 4 females whose ages ranged from 18 to 83 years (average 45 years). Most injuries were sustained in falls or motor vehicle accidents. Analysis of these cases suggests a biomechanical hypothesis concerning the transmission of the impact forces within the shoulder girdle. According to this hypothesis, the impaction force applied to the lateral shoulder is transmitted from outside inward following two paths. The anterior and superior path passes through the acromio-clavicular joint, the clavicle, the costo-clavicular joint and the sterno-clavicular joint. The posterior and inferior path is transmitted within the gleno-humeral joint, the scapula and the scapulo-thoracic joint. Major impacting force is required to disrupt the anterior and posterior arches of the shoulder girdle. When both of these supporting structures are damaged, the patient is at risk for more serious injuries, including disruption of the thorax, shoulder joint, brachial plexus and neck.

[The Staca nail-plate in the treatment of trochanteric fractures]. / Le clou-plaque Staca dans les fractures trochantériennes.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The Staca nail-plate (SNP) is 32 years old. This implant was created by Descamp and Kerner from Nice in 1964. This study evaluates the experience with the SNP in two Orthopaedic Departments from Metz and Nancy Regional Hospitals, between January 1989 and July 1991. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a clinical and radiological retrospective study. Out of the 175 patients, 152 were reviewed at 3 months and 127 at more than 9 months. The radiological assessment was made by measuring the post-operative cervical angle, the position of the nail within the femoral neck, the inter-fragmentary distance and the distance between nail and femoral head cartilage. 175 trochanteric fractures (119 women and 56 men) had osteosynthesis with the SNP. The mean age was 79 years (range: 36 to 96 years). Only 29 patients were free of general associated pathology. The fracture was always traumatic. The right femur was involved in 97 cases. Following the Ender classification there were 87 stable and 88 unstable fractures (59 complex pertrochanteric, 19 inter and sub-trochanteric and trochantero-diaphyseal). RESULTS: Post-operative reduction was anatomical in 66 per cent and satisfactory in 89 per cent of cases. In three cases there was an acetabular protrusion of the nail, in two cases there was a varus reduction and fixation and in six cases the plate was not fitting correctly the diaphysis. The average per-operative blood-loss was 300 cc. There was one per-operative death and eight early post-operative deaths. Sitting was allowed 24 hrs, after surgery in 94 per cent of patients. 68 per cent of patients started walking within the first 15 days after surgery. There were 37 per cent general complications, mainly respiratory and urinary infections, but also 2 deep-vein phlebitis, with pulmonary embolism and death. 17 post-operative hematoma were noted, out of which two required surgery. The general mortality reached 15 per cent in three months and 22 per cent in nine months. 70 per cent of the patients were free of pain at 3 months and 78 per cent at 9 months, 65 per cent being able to walk without crutches. Nail acetabular protrusion was observed in 16 cases (3 in early post-operative period, 8 within three months and 2 between the third and the ninth month). The protrusion was related to the nail positioning in 11 out of the 16 cases. This complication required SNP removal in 7 cases, replacement of the SNP in 3 cases and total hip arthroplasty in two cases. Correct nail length assessment is the important step in order to avoid protrusion and has to take into account the interfragmentary distance after reduction (if any). A good per-operative nail impaction is mandatory. CONCLUSION: Compared to other implants (THS, DHS, Gamma-nail, Ender), the SNP gives comparable results and a stable fixation. The SNP is a reliable implant. The most common complication in our series is protrusion which required reintervention in 6.8 per cent of the cases. Currently we avoid this complication by a good per-operative nail impaction.

[Long term results of a series of cementless total hip prostheses on patients of less than 50 years old]. / Résultat à long terme d'une série de prothèses totales de hanche sans ciment chez les sujets âgés de moins de 50 ans.

Since 1974, we have more than 20 years experience with cementless rehabitable total hip arthroplasty.The purpose of this work is a long term study of development of this type of fixation about a personal series of 83 hips which benefitted from this type of arthroplasty before 50 years old between 1974 and 1980. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The implants used are among the oldest. On the acetabular side, we used the BG spiked acetabular component (Fig. 1), containing 4 teeth for primary fixation, 3 equatorial armatures and a surface treatment. This metal back in two sizes 50 and 54 mm, initially permitted the insertion of a polyethylen insert of an interior diameter of 32 mm with a peripheric thickness of 5.5 mm; since 1979, the insert had a 22.2 mm diameter, assuring 10 mm minimal thickness of. The femoral implant (Fig. 2) for 62 hips was the Huchet prothesis, then in 16 cases, the minimadreporic prothesis composed of a morse cone and a head of 22.2, the Huchet prothesis was one-piece femoral implant.The dominant etiology was coxarthrosis (56 cases) of which 50 % had major dysplasis. The average age at the time of the intervention was 41 years old (18-50 years), the follow-up of this series is 17 years, and 8 months (15-21 years). Resumption of former activities was the rule.Results of the rehabitable pro thesis up to 12.31.1995: Of the 83 cases, the outcome of 55 of them (66.3%) is known : 49 (59%) were examined for this study; the evolution has been documented; 28 (33.7%) were uncontactable, 6 patients (7.3%) were deceased between 8 and 9 years following the operation, without having had the hip revised.Among the 49 protheses which were evaluated, 22 (44.9%) have not been revised to date. Clinically, the function is normal and there are no radiological signs of attrition of the insert or mobilisation of implants. There are 10 Huchet Protheses and 12 minimadreporic protheses in this group. The average age at the time of the intervention was 42 years old (30-50 years old), the follow-up was 16 years and 7 months (15-19 years) (Fig. 3a-d).27 hips (51%) needed to be revised, but the causes of reoperationn include different reasons tied to the failure of biological fixation but particularly to errors in the initial concept of the Huchet prothesis.Reoperation linked to the failure of the biological fixation: Out of 7 acetabular implant reoperations, one was carried out systematically on a cup which was perfectly bone-integrated during the changing of a femoral component, 3 were necessary due to perforation (attrition of the insert). Only 3 acetabular implants (6.1%) required reoperation for symptomatic loosening.Four femoral implants (8.6%) have been taken out because of failure of biological fixation between 2 and 11 years follow-up. Finally, for one patient the persistance of the incapacitating crural pain which lasted for more than one year led to the removal of the femoral stem, nevertheless perfectly integrated.Reoperation linked to the concept of the Huchet prothesis: These were undertaken in two sets of circumstances.Changing only the polyethylene insert was only called for in the Huchet prosthesis and concerned 18 hips (36.7%); the delay to reoperation varied from 11 to 18 years with an average of 14 years delay. Changing of the insert had a simple short post-operative outcome and functional recuperation was between 6 and 8 weeks (Fig. 4a-c).Removal for perforative attrition of polyethylene insert causing metal-to-metal wear between head and metal back. Five Huchet prostheses are included in this group, with an average delay to reoperation of 16 years and 3 months (14-19 years). COMMENTS: This retrospective study with a 66.3 % rate of re-examination permits three types of comments.The principal cause of revision (23 cases), is linked to polyethylene attrition and is only found in the group with Huchet prosthesis. More than the quality of the polyethylene used at this time, it is its thickness in contact with a 32 mm head which led to the complete removal of the prosthesis in 10.2% of the cases.The second comment argues for the modularisation of the femoral implant. The presence of a stem with a cone and a removable head would have avoided the removal of 5 perfectly bone-integrated femoral implants. Certainly, the literature demonstrates the risk of corrosion generated by the morse cone but it is up to the manufacturers to improve their procedures.Finally, the third comment concerns the current state of the long term of the biological fixation by rehabilitation with surface treatment. With 17 years 8 months follow-up (15-21 years), 81.6% of components are still fixed, the real failure of the bony ingrowth of 10.2% is comparable to the rate of failure in long term follow-up of totally cemented prothesis found in young subjects. CONCLUSION: With more than 20 years follow-up for the older cases, the concept of the biological fixation of an implant by bony ingrowth using surface treatment seems to be very reliable.The experience of this long term study argues for the thickness of polyethylene to be at least 10 mm for all metal back acetabular component and the future of this kind of implant seems to lie in modularisation made possible by the morse cone which would allow the replacement of the bearing surfaces.

Experimental anti-ulcer activity of Veronica officinalis L. extracts.

In indomethacin-induced ulcers in albino rats, the anti-ulcerogenic effects of some extracts prepared from Veronica officinalis L. were investigated. The extracts had a significant anti-ulcerogenic activity. In ulcer healing experiments performed in rats by administering reserpine, the extracts were found to enhance the regeneration of the gastric mucosa. These results seem to confirm the popular observations according to which the decoction from Veronica officinalis L. possessed useful properties in the treatment of gastric ulcers.