Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder.

Shoulder dysfunction is unusual in osteoarthritis and usually responds to conservative treatment. The primary indication for surgery is pain unresponsive to medical management. The procedure of choice for degenerative changes in the glenohumeral joint is hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder replacement depending on the condition of the glenoid. Shoulder fusion is rarely necessary for osteoarthritis and is recommended for chronic infection, flail shoulder, and failed total shoulder replacement not amenable to revision. Joint resection is reserved for infected joints with massive bone loss. The results of shoulder arthroplasty are good to excellent in 86 to 94 per cent of all patients. The results of shoulder arthrodesis are less predictable, but are usually satisfactory in approximately 75 per cent of patients with 10-year follow-up. The treatment of AC and SC joint arthritis is conservative with rest, local heat, and medication. Pain unresponsive to this regimen is an indication for resection of the joint. Good results with this procedure directly correlate with pain relief on injection of the joint with local anesthetic.

Enhancement of rehabilitation by use of implantable adjuncts with vascularized bone grafts for mandible reconstruction.

Restoration of mandibular continuity after trauma or cancer by means of vascularized bone grafts, as described by Taylor and coworkers in 1979, has become an established method of oral rehabilitation. Still considered by some an endpoint in reconstruction, we have found that the judicious application of newly described dental prosthetic materials can provide the patient with improved appearance and function associated with a fully restored mandible. Twelve patients who underwent vascularized bone grafting for mandibular reconstruction had adjunctive implantation to improve either dentition or to reconstruct the temporomandibular joint. Nine patients had dental implants to restore permanent stable dentition either by placement of the mandibular bone staple plate or osseointegrated implants. Three additional patients underwent placement of metallic condylar head prostheses placed on the vascularized bone graft at the time of transfer. These patients demonstrated good mastication and an excellent incisal opening which was maintained in the late postoperative period. Vascularized bone transfer for restoration of continuity of the mandible should not be considered an endpoint in and of itself. By using implantable dental devices to restore dentition and condylar head prostheses to improve both the aesthetic result and function of the mandible to complement the vascularized osteocutaneous flap, we can bring our patients closer to the goal of total rehabilitation. The majority of these patients would otherwise never have been offered a chance at restoration of dentition. All had beneficial effects with regard to mastication and the majority also had improved speech.

Arthroplasty of the ipsilateral shoulder and elbow in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis.

Over a ten-year period, arthroplasty of the ipsilateral shoulder and elbow was performed in thirty-five extremities of thirty-one patients who had advanced rheumatoid arthritis. The results of the procedures were retrospectively reviewed to determine the appropriate sequence of surgery and the functional results that were obtained. All patients were followed for a minimum of two years after the last arthroplasty. The elbow had been operated on first in twenty-one extremities and the shoulder had been operated on first in fourteen. The time-interval between arthroplasties was significantly longer (p less than 0.005) when the elbow had been operated on first (forty-five compared with 13.4 months). All motion of the elbow and elevation and external rotation of the shoulder improved significantly (p less than 0.005), similar to the improvement in motion that is noted when either joint is operated on alone. Also, there was a highly significant reduction in pain and improvement in function (both, p less than 0.001). Review of the roentgenograms of twenty-three patients demonstrated no humeral fractures or interference in the proper placement of the humeral component of the prosthesis either by the stem of the other prosthesis or by the methylmethacrylate. All of the arthroplasties of the shoulder that were performed as the second arthroplasty were done at least five months after the arthroplasty of the elbow, and no dislocations or subluxations of the components of the elbow prosthesis occurred.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Total shoulder arthroplasty.

A prospective study was done of fifty total shoulder replacements in forty-four patients who were followed for an average of 3.5 years (range, 2.0 to 7.5 years). The preoperative diagnosis was osteoarthritis in thirty-three shoulders, rheumatoid arthritis in eleven, and a previous fracture of the humeral head in six shoulders. Nine of the shoulders had a tear of the rotator cuff. The Neer-II system of total shoulder replacement with a non-metal-backed component was used in all fifty shoulders. At follow-up, forty-four shoulders (88 per cent) had no significant pain. Of the six painful shoulders, four had loosening of the glenoid component and one had malposition of both components. Three of the six shoulders had no significant pain after revision. The average range of active forward elevation in all of the shoulders improved from 71 to 100 degrees, and both external and internal rotation improved as well. Five specific activities of daily living were evaluated, and the patients' ability to perform them improved from 14 to 78 per cent. Thirty-five shoulders (68 per cent) were rated by the patients as much better; thirteen shoulders (26 per cent), as better; and three (6 per cent), as no better. An incomplete lucent line was noted around five (10 per cent) of the cemented humeral stems and around thirty-seven (74 per cent) of the glenoid prostheses. Four arthroplasties (8 per cent) required revision: three for loosening of the glenoid component and one for malposition of both components.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modular hemiarthroplasty for fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.

A new biomodular prosthesis was used for the treatment of a displaced fracture of the proximal part of the humerus in twenty-two shoulders in twenty-two patients. The fractures were classified according to the Neer system; there were thirteen four-part, five three-part, and four head-splitting fractures. There were fifteen women and seven men, and the mean age was seventy years (range, forty-nine to eighty-seven years). The hemiarthroplasty was performed an average of eleven days (range, one to forty-five days) after the injury. The deltopectoral interval was used in all patients, and the prosthesis was implanted with cement in twenty of the shoulders. All of the patients participated in a supervised program of rehabilitation. The patients were followed for an average of thirty-six months (range, twenty-six to forty-nine months). Twenty of the twenty-two patients had a good or excellent result. The active forward elevation averaged 119 degrees; external rotation, 40 degrees; and internal rotation, to the twelfth thoracic vertebra. All of the patients except for the two who had a poor result had satisfactory relief of pain. The two patients who had a poor result had a successful revision with a modular prosthesis of the same design. The modular head could be removed, enabling the surgeon to gain access to the glenoid and to adjust the soft tissues. The over-all scores correlated inversely with the age of the patients and the interval from the injury to the operation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Revision of failed total elbow arthroplasty.

We reviewed 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had failure of 26 primary total elbow arthroplasties causing pain and loss of function. Most revision cases required special custom implants to treat varying bone loss and soft-tissue disruption. Assessment showed satisfactory functional results in the patients treated by revision at a mean follow-up period of 35 months. Our review suggests that revision surgery produces short- to medium-term painfree function, and is the treatment of choice for a failed total elbow arthroplasty in the absence of infection.

Arthroplasty for arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency.

Massive and irreparable loss of rotator cuff tendon integrity can be associated with the development of glenohumeral and acromiohumeral arthritis. Loss of glenohumeral instability provided by the rotator cuff may initiate and perpetuate this unique condition of the shoulder. Proximal humeral replacement arthroplasty is the preferred surgical treatment; special techniques of this procedure are presented. Patients are gratified by the durable restoration of comfort and, to a lesser extent, function.

The effect of cognitive status on outcomes following rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Impaired cognition is a determinant of poor recovery following a hip fracture. Because of the risk of poorer outcomes, individuals with impaired cognitive function may be refused admission into a rehabilitation program. This study considered the impact of cognitive status on functional ability over time for older adults who participate in a rehabilitation program. METHODS: We studied a convenience sample of 200 consecutive patients who participated in an inpatient rehabilitation program following an orthopedic event. We obtained complete follow-up data on 181 participants. Baseline data were collected within 48 hours of admission and included demographics, rehabilitation diagnosis, living location prior to admission, the Mini-mental State Examination, and the Barthel Index (BI). Telephone follow-up was made at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge from rehabilitation, and we obtained information about demographic data and functional status (BI). RESULTS: There were no differences in the demographic characteristics of the two groups except for race; a larger percentage of African-Americans were in the impaired group. There was a statistically significant main effect of time with functional ability of all participants, increasing over the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that rehabilitation of the older adult, both with and without cognitive impairment, can result in improvement in functional ability that is sustained over a 12-month period. Although the findings indicate that those with cognitive impairment have lower functional performance at each testing period, these individuals improved functionally during the course of rehabilitation and maintained their discharge level of functioning for 1 year after discharge.

Unconstrained shoulder arthroplasty.

Shoulder arthroplasty is in a stage of development that is ahead of replacement of other joints, if one considers not only movement and function but also durability. It is a difficult and demanding procedure requiring a meticulous cement and rotator cuff technique. Stability of a nonconstrained implant depends on its height and the length of the head version. Active motion depends on the rotator cuff and deltoid. Neither loss of bone nor tears of the rotator cuff contraindicate a nonconstrained replacement; however, massive defects of the muscles or bone are treated with a "limited goals rehabilitation" program to achieve stability with less motion. Shoulder replacement seems to enjoy unique durability; however, glenoid component follow-up is limited to 11 years. Up to now the incidence of reoperation for loosening of a glenoid component in 455 patients reported in four recent series combined was under 1%, and most radiolucent lines at the glenoid are believed to be attributable to errors in technique rather than loosening. Because of recent breakage of two polyethylene glenoid components, a standard-sized metal-backed glenoid component has been made available for general use and is preferred especially in active patients and those with sloping glenoids. The 600% glenoid component is no longer used; however, it is expected that the 200% component will be made available for general use after adequate clinical trial of the new holding device.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sexual expression after total joint replacement.

Although patients and health care professionals often hesitate to talk about the effects of disease, illness, or surgery on sexuality, it is imperative that sexuality issues be addressed. For many orthopaedic patients, alterations in sexual function secondary to musculoskeletal changes are a major concern. This article provides guidelines for identification of fears and needs, ideas for approaching total joint replacement (TJR) patients on the topic of sexuality, and appropriate intercourse and outercourse activities.

Postoperative physical therapy in temporomandibular joint arthroplasty.

This article offers a revised physical therapy treatment approach for rehabilitating a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following arthroplastic surgical intervention. Surgical repair is only advised in those chronic cases where refractory symptoms affect the quality of the patient's life and prevent patients from carrying out their normal daily activities. Previous nonsurgical and surgical management usually fails to correct the problem in these types of cases. Rehabilitation guidelines discussed include plication, diskectomy (with or without interpositional implant), costochondral graft, fossa implant, and total joint replacement.

Perioperative concerns of the older adult undergoing total joint replacement.

Total joint replacement can be an important intervention in dealing with the chronic joint pain and immobility experienced by many elderly people. Elderly patients, however, do have concerns that are unique to them; therefore, preoperative preparation and continual assessment are imperative nursing interventions and are necessary to put elderly patients in the best position for successful recovery.

Total shoulder arthroplasty.

Surgeons perform total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) procedures to reduce patients' intractable arthritic pain and to repair humeral head fractures. Total shoulder arthroplasty has undergone remarkable advances--not only in prosthetic improvements and refinements--but in patient outcomes. Advantages to TSA procedures include decreased pain and patients' increased ability to perform activities of daily living.

[Hemi-arthroplasty of the shoulder: radiological, functional and dynamic studies]. / L'hémi-arthroplastie d'épaule: étude radiologique, fonctionnelle et dynamique.

From September 1973 to October 1992, forty-three shoulder arthroplasties were performed in forty-one patients with complicated fractures or degenerative disease. Radiological and functional assessment with a mean follow-up time of forty-five months permitted us to review twenty patients with fifteen Neer II prosthesis, three isoelastic prosthesis and two total shoulder replacements. Of these, eleven presented with traumatic injuries and four with degenerative disease. The mean age at operative time was 61 years. Radiological evaluation showed that all cases had a retroversion of about 30 degrees. Normal humeral length and lateral shifting were not achieved in most patients; in fact only one had a restored length and lateral shifting. The mean scapulothoracic range of motion was found to be half that of a normal gliding shoulder (angle 30 degrees instead of 60 degrees). The subacromial space was diminished by one third in all cases. Relief of shoulder pain was the most significant finding. Mobility was restored to a level of about 75% of normal according to Constant's Scale. Dynamometric measures showed an important loss of force (47% of normal) despite a normal external rotation force. Recent improvements in implant conception (modular prosthesis) and a better understanding of physiological shoulder mechanisms should improve the functional results of this arthroplasty in the future.

Integral surgical maneuvers in prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty.

Total shoulder arthroplasty has advanced beyond addressing only the techniques of implant placement. To improve clinical results and assure maximum implant longevity, the surgeon needs to address soft tissue contractures, soft tissue deficiencies, glenohumeral instability, and bone deficiencies with a number and often a combination of surgical maneuvers. These techniques include excision of abnormal tissue, division of adhesions, selective tissue releases, variation in bone osteotomy or preparation to modify implant position, use of a variety of standard implants or custom devices, and supplementation of certain tissue deficiencies with autologous or allograft tissues. When the reconstruction is completed, the surgeon needs to assess movement, stability, and strength of the supporting tissues to plan an optimal rehabilitation program.

Constrained arthroplasty: its use and misuse.

Constrained arthroplasty is occasionally needed to salvage a destroyed glenohumeral joint when the rotator cuff is nonfunctioning and when an unconstrained prosthesis will not suffice. There is a high failure rate because of the severe forces between such a device and the contiguous bone. Accordingly, it is essential to know the limitations of constrained arthroplasty and when it should be avoided. For example, when the bone of the glenoid vault is highly demineralized or deficient or if there is a history of seizure disorder or alcoholism, use of such a device is contraindicated. Postoperatively, excessive force and extremes of motion should also be avoided during the rehabilitation program to avoid bone fracture or dislocation of the prosthesis. Various complications have been observed with constrained arthroplasty, including dislocation, bone fracture, pullout of the glenoid, infection, radial nerve injury after extrusion of bone cement through the humeral cortex when the cement has been pressurized, and screw breakage in a relative small number of cases after metal fatigue and loosening of the glenoid component. When the glenoid component has pulled away from the glenoid vault, it may be necessary to remove this component; the humeral head may be fitted with a bipolar 40- to 44-mm acetabular component, thereby allowing at least preservation, if not the active function of the shoulder contour.

[Rehabilitative treatment in endoprosthesis of the elbow joint]. / Vosstanovitel'noe lechenie pri éndoprotezirovanii loktevogo sustava.

A technique of rehabilitation treatment was suggested and tested on 25 patients with an elbow joint endoprosthesis. The postoperative rehabilitation involved three periods: absolute immobilization, relative immobilization and postimmobilization. Therapeutic measures should be adjusted to each specific stage and imply different physiotherapeutic modalities according to clinical features and duration of the postoperative period: position treatment; passive, light active dynamic exercise, isometric training, underwater exercise; electrostimulation; manual and mechanical massage; occupational therapy. Positive response after adequate postoperative rehabilitation was registered in 20 patients.