One and two-year clinical outcomes for a polyethylene glenoid with a fluted peg: one thousand two hundred seventy individual patients from eleven centers.

PURPOSE: Clinical shoulder science lacks a benchmark against which the early clinical value of new glenoid components can be compared; such a benchmark may be derived from a multicenter study of patients receiving an established, internationally used design of glenoid component. METHODS: We obtained data from 11 centers on 1270 patients having total shoulder arthroplasty using an all-polyethylene component with a fluted central peg. We analyzed individual patient outcomes at 1 and 2 years after surgery. We compared the improvement for each patient to the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and calculated each patient's improvement as a percent of maximal possible improvement (MPI). RESULTS: The preoperative scores improved from SST 3 ± 2, ASES 37 ± 15, Constant score 36 ± 16, and Penn score 30 ± 19 to SST 10 ± 2, ASES 90 ± 12, Constant 76 ± 13, and Penn 80 ± 24 (p < 0.001 for each). A high percentage of patients improved by more than the MCID (SST 96%, ASES 98%, Constant 94%, Penn 93%) and obtained improvement of at least 30% of the MPI (SST 95%, ASES 98%, Constant 91%, Penn 87%). The clinical outcomes realized with this glenoid design were not worse for the 41% of shoulders with preoperative type B glenoids or for the 30% of shoulders with more than 15 degrees of glenoid retroversion. CONCLUSIONS: Individual patients from 11 international practices having total shoulder arthroplasty using a basic glenoid component design obtained highly significant clinical outcomes, providing a benchmark against which the early outcomes of new designs can be compared to determine whether they provide increased clinical value.

Quality of internet-based decision aids for shoulder arthritis: what are patients reading?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the source, quality, accuracy, and completeness of Internet-based information for shoulder arthritis. METHODS: A web search was performed using three common Internet search engines and the top 50 sites from each search were analyzed. Information sources were categorized into academic, commercial, non-profit, and physician sites. Information quality was measured using the Health On the Net (HON) Foundation principles, content accuracy by counting factual errors and completeness using a custom template. RESULTS: After removal of duplicates and sites that did not provide an overview of shoulder arthritis, 49 websites remained for analysis. The majority of sites were from commercial (n = 16, 33%) and physician (n = 16, 33%) sources. An additional 12 sites (24%) were from an academic institution and five sites (10%) were from a non-profit organization. Commercial sites had the highest number of errors, with a five-fold likelihood of containing an error compared to an academic site. Non-profit sites had the highest HON scores, with an average of 9.6 points on a 16-point scale. The completeness score was highest for academic sites, with an average score of 19.2 ± 6.7 (maximum score of 49 points); other information sources had lower scores (commercial, 15.2 ± 2.9; non-profit, 18.7 ± 6.8; physician, 16.6 ± 6.3). CONCLUSIONS: Patient information on the Internet regarding shoulder arthritis is of mixed accuracy, quality, and completeness. Surgeons should actively direct patients to higher-quality Internet sources.

Radiographic results of augmented all-polyethylene glenoids in the presence of posterior glenoid bone loss during total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Chronic osteoarthritis can result in glenohumeral subluxation and loss of posterior glenoid bone. This can alter normal glenohumeral biomechanics and affect the stress placed on the glenoid implant after total shoulder arthroplasty. This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of an augmented all-polyethylene glenoid for the treatment of glenoid osteoarthritis in the presence of posterior glenoid bone loss and determined whether any failures or complications occurred with short-term follow-up. METHODS: During a 2-year period, 21 patients were treated with an augmented glenoid for an index diagnosis of osteoarthritis with a biconcave glenoid and average posterior glenoid bone loss of 4.7 mm. Clinical outcomes were recorded for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment, Simple Shoulder Test, and active motion. Radiographic analysis included glenoid version, humeral head subluxation, component seating, ingrowth, and loosening. RESULTS: Significant improvements were demonstrated for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment (52.3), Simple Shoulder Test (8.1), forward flexion (50°), external rotation (32°), and pain. Radiographic improvements were found for glenoid version (12°), humeral scapular alignment (23%), and humeral glenoid alignment (8%). Central peg ingrowth was demonstrated in all patients, and complete component seating was achieved in 19 patients. No complications were encountered, and no clinical or radiographic failures were identified. CONCLUSION: Augmented polyethylene glenoid components demonstrated improved clinical outcome, without implant failure or complications, during short-term follow-up.

What Factors are Associated With Clinically Important Improvement After Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty for Cuff Tear Arthropathy?

BACKGROUND: In selected patients with a desire to maintain activity levels greater than those recommended after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty remains an option for treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). However, given the relatively small case series that have been reported to date, little is known regarding which patients will show functional improvement after this surgery. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: What factors are associated with achieving the minimum clinically important difference in the simple shoulder test (SST) after hemiarthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy? PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 2007, two surgeons at one academic center performed 48 shoulder hemiarthroplasties for CTA. No patients were known to have died before data collection, and of those not known to have died, 42 (88%) were available for followup at a mean of 48 months (range, 24-132 months). During that time, the general indications for this approach were glenohumeral arthritis with superior decentering of the humeral head. The majority of the patients with CTA were treated nonoperatively with patient-directed physical therapy and other modalities. A total of 42 patients (42 shoulders; 24 males and 18 females) with CTA were treated with hemiarthroplasty and followed for a mean of 48 months (range, 24-132 months). This is a retrospective study that made use of a longitudinally maintained database, which included physical examination of ROM, the SST, VAS, and standardized radiographs. At latest followup, 33 of 42 patients achieved a clinically important percentage of maximum possible improvement (%MPI) in SST score, defined as an improvement of 30% of the total possible improvement on the 12-point scale (with higher scores representing better results). RESULTS: Intraoperative findings of a rotator cuff tear limited to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus (odds ratio [OR], ∞; 95% CI, 2.01 to ∞; p = 0.020) and limited preoperative external rotation (15° [range, -40° to 45°] vs 35° [range, 20°-45°], OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.38-0.90; p < 0.001) were associated with achieving the defined minimum functional improvement (30% of MPI) on multivariate analysis. Preoperative active elevation (p = 0.679) and use of a CTA-specific implant (p = 0.707) were not significantly associated with achievement of 30% of MPI. CONCLUSION: Patients with intact teres minor and subscapularis tendons and patients with lower preoperative external rotation had a better prognosis for achieving a clinically important percentage of MPI at short-term followup. Although some patients were followed for more than 10 years, the majority were followed for fewer than 5 years; future studies will need to determine whether these early functional results are maintained for longer periods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Self-assessed and radiographic outcomes of humeral head replacement with nonprosthetic glenoid arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Active and young patients who place frequent demands on their shoulder present a treatment dilemma when glenohumeral arthritis progresses to a point at which surgical intervention is considered. Humeral head replacement with nonprosthetic glenoid arthroplasty ("ream-and-run") has been proposed to address the limitations of total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty in this population. Several reports from a single institution have shown substantial improvement in self-assessed comfort and function after this procedure. However, to the best of our knowledge, no clinical results pertaining to this technique have been reported from other institutions. METHODS: Hemiarthroplasty with nonprosthetic glenoid arthroplasty was performed in 17 patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were clinically evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with physical examination, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale, and standardized radiographs. Preoperative radiographs and patient demographics were assessed for correlation with outcome measures. RESULTS: Improvement of >30% of preoperative SST score was noted in 14 of 17 patients at a mean follow-up of 3.9 years (range, 2.0-6.8 years). SST score improved from mean 3.2 ± 3.1 preoperatively to 10.0 ± 2.6 at latest follow-up (P < .0001). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from mean 42 ± 23 to 90 ± 13 (P < .0001). Male patients had higher SST scores (P = .03) and greater external rotation (P = .03) at latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Nonprosthetic glenoid arthroplasty demonstrated results that correlate with prior data published by the center at which the procedure was initially described. Patients with concentric glenoid morphology preoperatively did not demonstrate results superior to those of patients with eccentric glenoids.

The effect of proximal humeral bone loss on revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Revision shoulder arthroplasty can be complicated by osseous and soft tissue deficiencies. Proximal humeral bone loss can result in diminished implant stability and reduced functional outcomes, and some studies have advocated the use of humeral allograft in this setting. This study compares the outcomes of revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in patients both with and without proximal humeral bone loss. METHODS: During a 6-year period, 32 patients were revised to RTSA for failed shoulder hemiarthroplasty. Proximal humeral bone loss was found in 16 patients, with an average loss of 36.3 mm (range, 17.2-66 mm). Patients were followed up an average of 51.2 months with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test score, visual analog scale score for pain, subjective outcome ratings, and radiographs. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found for average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (30.7 to 66.8), Simple Shoulder Test score (1.6 to 5.3), visual analog scale score (6.0 to 2.6), and forward flexion (51° to 100°) but not for external rotation (15° to 19.1°). No difference was demonstrated for functional or subjective outcomes compared with patients with intact humeral bone, except for active motion. On radiographic examination, 3 patients demonstrated humeral-sided loosening. Five complications were noted in patients with humeral bone loss. CONCLUSION: Revision RTSA can provide successful outcomes in the presence of proximal humeral bone loss without the use of allograft. Implant stability may be improved by the use of a cemented long-stem monoblock humeral prosthesis in revision settings.

Revision open capsular shift for atraumatic and multidirectional instability of the shoulder.

Shoulder stability is critical for proper functioning of the upper extremity and is dependent on the interplay between static and dynamic stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint. Surgical management of patients with atraumatic and multidirectional instability is effective if the capsular redundancy is properly reconstructed to restore glenohumeral joint biomechanics. Residual capsular laxity is a common cause of recurrent glenohumeral joint dislocation in patients who had previous stabilization procedures; surgical results become less predictable in patients who had multiple revision procedures. It is important to detect capsular laxity at the time of the index surgery and use reliable surgical techniques to obtain optimal results.

Management of traumatic sternoclavicular joint injuries.

Traumatic sternoclavicular joint injuries account for <3% of all traumatic joint injuries. Proper recognition and treatment are vital because these injuries may be life threatening. Injuries are classified according to patient age, severity, and, in the setting of dislocation, the direction of the medial clavicle. Anterior injuries are far more common than posterior injuries. Posterior dislocation may be associated with complications such as dyspnea, dysphagia, cyanosis, and swelling of the ipsilateral extremity as well as paresthesia associated with compression of the trachea, esophagus, or great vessels. These life-threatening complications may present at the time of injury but can develop later, as well. Radiography has been largely supplanted by CT for evaluation of this injury, although an oblique view developed by Wirth and Rockwood is useful in evaluating isolated sternoclavicular injury. MRI is useful in differentiating physeal injury from sternoclavicular dislocation in patients aged<23 years.

Shoulder arthroplasty for the young, active patient.

Patients younger than 55 years with degenerative conditions of the glenohumeral joint represent a unique population that can be treated with shoulder arthroplasty. Certain challenges related to this cohort may include greater patient expectations, higher functional demands, soft-tissue contracture from previous surgery, and glenoid bone loss. Surgical treatment options include unconstrained total shoulder arthroplasty; hemiarthroplasty; humeral head resurfacing alone; hemiarthroplasty with concentric reaming of the glenoid; and hemiarthroplasty with adjunctive biologic glenoid resurfacing with autogenous fascia lata, Achilles tendon allograft, or meniscal allograft.

Results of revision from hemiarthroplasty to total shoulder arthroplasty utilizing modular component systems.

BACKGROUND: Hemiarthroplasty continues to be a common surgical treatment for glenohumeral arthritis. Unfortunately, some patients will develop painful glenoid arthrosis necessitating revision to total shoulder arthroplasty. Previously reported results of revision have demonstrated variability in results and difficulty. The purpose of this study was to determine the difficulty and results of revision from hemiarthroplasty to total shoulder arthroplasty utilizing modular component systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2007, the authors identified 15 patients who underwent revision from hemiarthroplasty (HA) to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Patients were assessed with the use of a UCLA score and a visual analogue scale at the time of the latest follow-up (mean, 40 months; range, 24-70 months). Radiographs were assessed for the presence of glenoid loosening, subluxation, and shift in component position. RESULTS: Revision HA to TSA was significantly associated with pain relief (P < .01) as well as improvement in forward elevation from a mean of 91° to 141°. According to the UCLA scoring, the result was excellent in 9 shoulders, good in 5, and fair in 1. No instances of humeral or glenoid loosening were identified at the most recent examination. Only 2 stem revisions were necessary in this series of modular shoulder arthroplasties. CONCLUSION: The data from this study suggest that revision of painful HA for glenoid arthrosis to TSA is a reliable procedure with good improvements in pain, range of motion, and function. With modular components, the complexity of the procedure is minimized. Poor results and the need for stem revision are infrequent occurrences.

Treatment of traumatic posterior sternoclavicular dislocations.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic posterior sternoclavicular joint injuries are rare, but complications are common and include brachial plexus and vascular injury, esophageal rupture, and death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 21 patients treated at our institution for a posterior sternoclavicular injury were reviewed. All patients underwent a trial of closed reduction, which was effective in 8 patients (group I). The remaining 13 patients were treated with open reduction and sternoclavicular joint reconstruction (group II). RESULTS: Closed reduction was more likely to be successful (P < .05) in dislocations treated within 10 days of injury. Patients were evaluated by use of the University of California, Los Angeles rating scale. Overall, 18 of 21 patients were graded as good or excellent. Patients treated with either open or closed reduction as their definitive management compared favorably in terms of ratings for pain, strength, and motion. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that closed reduction compares favorably with open reduction. Of patients treated, 38% required only closed reduction as their definitive treatment. In this series early closed reduction was successful and obviated the risks of surgery. Patients who in whom closed reduction failed obtained good results with operative treatment aimed at reconstruction of the costoclavicular ligaments.

Results of treatment of luxatio erecta (inferior shoulder dislocation).

HYPOTHESIS: Traumatic inferior shoulder dislocation (luxatio erecta) injuries are rare, comprising less than 0.5% of all shoulder dislocations. Few cases have been reported, and the outcome of treatment has been ill defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1968 and 2000, 18 patients (20 shoulders) with luxatio erecta were evaluated at our institution. Two patients (2 shoulders) were lost to follow-up, leaving 16 patients (18 shoulders) for long-term follow-up (average, 9 years). Associated injuries included peripheral nerve injury, humeral fracture, acromial fracture, and rotator cuff tear. All patients were initially managed with closed reduction, which was successful in 9 shoulders. The remaining 9 shoulders required operative treatment. RESULTS: Patients were evaluated with respected to pain, function, range of motion, strength, and patient satisfaction, according to the University of California at Los Angeles Rating Scale. Overall, 13 of the 16 patients were graded as good or excellent. Patients treated with closed reduction or operative treatment compared favorably in terms of improvements in ratings for pain, strength, motion, and the ability to perform work and sports. DISCUSSION: Our experience suggests that treatment of luxatio erecta is largely successful, with good or excellent results obtained in 83% of the shoulders. Half of the patients evaluated, required only closed reduction as their definitive treatment. Operative treatment is typically indicated for associated displaced humeral head fractures or patients with recurrent instability. Recurrent instability appears to be more likely in patients with a previous history of dislocation. Associated neurologic or vascular injury did not affect the final outcome.

Cross-linked glenoid prosthesis: a wear comparison to conventional glenoid prosthesis with wear particulate analysis.

Wear debris has been observed in shoulder arthroplasties that use an ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) glenoid component, and the biologic response to this debris contributes to aseptic loosening of the implant. The objective of this study was to assess the wear and particle morphology of a cross-linked UHMWPE prosthetic glenoid. To our knowledge, this is the first time a simulator with kinematic considerations for assessing wear has been used in a shoulder model. Shoulder wear testing was conducted on 2 groups of glenoids (n = 3 in each group) by use of an orthopaedic joint simulator to create worst-case scenario motions. One group was manufactured from conventional UHMWPE. The second was manufactured from 50-kGy cross-linked UHMWPE. The resulting wear rates for the conventional and cross-linked glenoid components were 46.7 +/- 2.6 mg/million cycles and 7.0 +/- 0.4 mg/million cycles, respectively. Particles isolated from the 2 groups showed similar morphologies; however, the calculated osteolytic potential of the cross-linked glenoid was significantly lower. The results of this study support the use of cross-linked UHMWPE glenoids in clinical applications.

Treatment of fractures adjacent to humeral prostheses.

Fifteen patients with fractures adjacent to a humeral prosthesis were treated between 1986 and 2002. There were 10 females and 5 males. The average age was 58 years. The fractures were classified as to location relative to the prosthesis. Type I fractures (N = 3) occurred proximal to the tip of the prosthesis. Type II fractures (N = 7) occurred in which the fracture line extended from the proximal portion of the humeral shaft to beyond the distal tip of the prosthesis. Type III (N = 5) fractures occurred entirely distal to the tip of the prosthesis. Two type I and 3 type II fractures were managed with a fracture orthosis. The remainder of the fractures were treated surgically with a combination of cerclage wires and long stem prosthesis. All fractures progressed to union at an average of 11 weeks. Average forward elevation for the group was 124 degrees . No patient required a shoulder spica or bone grafting to obtain union. Treatment resulted in fracture union, prosthesis stability, and a paucity of complications.

Treatment of glenohumeral arthritis with a hemiarthroplasty. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Glenohumeral hemiarthroplasty is well established as a method to treat glenohumeral arthritis. This study was designed to report longer-term results and to provide a decision model to assist surgeons in achieving successful outcomes. Our selection strategy for hemiarthroplasty included shoulders with (1) a concentric glenoid with eburnated bone, (2) a nonconcentric glenoid that could be converted to a smooth concentric surface, and (3) a humeral head centered within the glenoid after soft-tissue balancing. METHODS: Fifty-seven consecutive patients (sixty-four shoulders) who had osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, without advanced disease in the glenoid, were treated with hemiarthroplasty. In each instance, a modular prosthesis was implanted. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and at one-year intervals postoperatively for at least five years with use of patient self-assessment instruments, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire, the Simple Shoulder Test, and a visual analog pain scale. A detailed radiographic analysis was performed to determine the presence of glenohumeral subluxation, periprosthetic radiolucency, and glenoid bone loss. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (fifty shoulders) were followed for a minimum of five years (mean, 7.5 years). Of the remaining fourteen patients (fourteen shoulders), ten were lost to follow-up, three had died, and one was excluded. For the Simple Shoulder Test, and for every visual analog scale measure, the results at the final follow-up evaluation were significantly better than the preoperative results (p < 0.0001 for each). The mean Simple Shoulder Test score at the time of the final follow-up was 9.4 positive responses compared with 9.7 positive responses at the two-year evaluation (p = 0.32), and the mean visual analog scale score for pain was 18.6 points compared with 14.9 points at two years (p = 0.45). Radiographic analysis showed the majority of stems had either no lucency or lucencies only near the tip of the stem. Glenoid bone loss and subluxation improved postoperatively, and the results were maintained at the final follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty provides sustained good-to-excellent pain relief and functional improvement at five to ten years postoperatively in carefully selected patients with osteoarthritis.

Compaction bone-grafting in prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Compaction bone-grafting has been suggested as a means of improving the stability of the humeral component in shoulder arthroplasty, but the clinical and radiographic results of the procedure have not been reported in the literature, to our knowledge. To address this deficit, we report on a series of shoulder arthroplasties performed with compaction bone-grafting to secure humeral component fixation. These prostheses were implanted in shoulders demonstrating a suboptimal interference fit of the humeral component. METHODS: Fifty-eight shoulders in fifty-three patients were treated with prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty that included compaction bone-grafting. Clinical assessments were performed at regular intervals with use of visual analog scales for pain, shoulder comfort and function, and overall quality of life, and with use of patient self-assessments including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score and the validated Simple Shoulder Test. A detailed radiographic analysis was performed by three raters to determine whether radiolucent lines were present immediately postoperatively and at a later follow-up interval. The humeral tilt angle was determined by measuring the angle between the humeral axis and the component. Subsidence was also evaluated. The mean of the raters' measurements was used in the analysis. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was sixty-nine months (range, twenty-six to 148 months). No loose stems were observed, and no humeral component was revised. At the time of follow-up, there was significant improvement in the Simple Shoulder Test scores and all visual analog scores (p < 0.0001 in each instance). Thirty-four stems had no radiolucent line at the time of follow-up, and the mean maximum thickness of the lucent lines was 0.21 mm in the entire group of fifty-eight shoulders. Most lucent lines occurred near the distal stem tip. The mean tilt of the valgus and varus humeral components was 2.2 degrees and 2.6 degrees , respectively, on the immediate postoperative radiographs. No humeral component shifted from varus to valgus or vice versa. The duration of follow-up was not correlated with the maximum thickness of the humeral component lucency, and the presence or absence of a prosthetic glenoid was also unrelated to the maximum thickness of the lucency. CONCLUSIONS: Compaction bone-grafting in shoulder arthroplasty can yield stable and durable fixation of the humeral component, as seen clinically and radiographically, without use of cement. Our findings provide evidence that compaction bone-grafting in shoulder arthroplasty is an option to ensure intermediate-term fixation (at a mean of five years) of humeral components that have a suboptimal fit.

The subscapularis footprint: an anatomic description of its insertion site.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomic footprint of the subscapularis tendon. METHODS: We examined 19 cadaveric shoulder specimens in this study. Dissection was carried out to the level of the subscapularis through a deltopectoral approach. The subscapularis tendon was identified, and the dissection was continued, elevating the tendon, subperiosteally, from its insertion site at the lesser tuberosity. The dimensions of the footprint were measured superior to inferior, as well as medial to lateral, by a single observer. RESULTS: The insertion of the subscapularis tendon on the lesser tuberosity was trapezoidal in shape. The mean length of the subscapularis tendon footprint was 2.5 cm (range, 1.5 to 3.0 cm). The superior portion of the footprint was the widest part of the subscapularis insertion. The mean width at the most superior aspect of the insertion site was 1.8 cm (range, 1.5 to 2.6 cm). The most inferior aspect of the footprint was much narrower, with a mean width of 0.3 cm (range, 0.1 to 0.7 cm). CONCLUSIONS: The subscapularis insertion footprint has a broad and wide superior attachment that narrows distally to form a trapezoidal shape. We found the mean length of the footprint to be 2.5 cm. The mean superior width of the footprint was 1.8 cm, which was maintained for the upper 60% of the tendon insertion, at which point the footprint began to rapidly narrow to a minimum width of 0.3 cm at its most inferior aspect. The upper 60% of the footprint provided by far the major surface area for tendon insertion, consistent with prior findings of superior load transmission at the superior aspect of the footprint. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This broad attachment site superiorly is likely important in load transmission. Knowledge of the shape of the footprint of the subscapularis, with a broad superior attachment, makes it easier for the surgeon to perform an accurate anatomic surgical reconstruction of the torn subscapularis.

Shoulder arthroplasty in cases with avascular necrosis of the humeral head.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a relatively uncommon cause of glenohumeral arthritis. Previous retrospective reviews of shoulder arthroplasty for AVN have shown very good results in small numbers of patients. This study prospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 21 shoulders in 19 patients treated with the same modular prosthesis at a single institution. Of the shoulders, 8 developed AVN after a proximal humeral fracture, 1 was associated with a massive rotator cuff tear, 10 developed after corticosteroid therapy, and 2 were idiopathic. The patients, 14 women and 5 men, with a mean age of 54 years, were followed up for a mean of 4.7 years (range, 2 to 8 years). Hemiarthroplasty was performed in 15 shoulders, whereas 6 required total shoulder arthroplasty. Assessment included visual analog scales, the Simple Shoulder Test, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score Index (SSI). Physical examination was performed, and radiographs were obtained. The visual analog scale scores for pain and function improved significantly after surgery (P < .01). The mean SSI score rose from 36 to 81 (where 0 indicates the worst outcome and 100 indicates the best outcome). The mean number of positive responses on the Simple Shoulder Test increased from 3 to 10. Mean active elevation increased from 88 degrees to 123 degrees . External rotation improved from 7 degrees to 34 degrees , and internal rotation improved from L4 to T12. No difference in outcome was noted based on age or sex. Patients with steroid-related or idiopathic AVN had greater pain and functional impairment preoperatively (mean SSI score, 26) than those with prior fracture or rotator cuff tear (mean SSI score, 49) (P < .01). Postoperatively, however, these groups fared equally well (mean SSI score, 78 vs 82). Shoulder arthroplasty for AVN produces good pain relief and function, although a concurrent series with osteoarthritis yielded better results. Forward elevation did not approach normal as had been previously reported.

Replicating proximal humeral articular geometry with a third-generation implant: a radiographic study in cadaveric shoulders.

Prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty must replicate humeral geometry or risk compromising success. The purpose of our study was to evaluate humeral head replacement with respect to replicating proximal humeral anatomy. Using scanning technology and AutoCAD, this study was conducted in 2 parts. First, geometric parameters were measured on 35 cadaveric humeri and were used to design a new shoulder arthroplasty system. Second, humeral head replacement was performed on 18 of these humeri by use of the new shoulder arthroplasty system, and selected preoperative and postoperative measurements were compared. Preoperative to postoperative differences were minimal and exhibited improvement compared with earlier designs. In this study, humeral head replacement with a third-generation system reproduced the original anatomy of 18 cadaveric humeri more accurately than previously reported. This finding is important because accurate anatomic reconstruction in shoulders is essential for minimizing subacromial contact and optimizing range of motion.

Treatment of glenohumeral arthritis with a hemiarthroplasty: a minimum five-year follow-up outcome study.

BACKGROUND: Glenohumeral hemiarthroplasty is well established as a method to treat glenohumeral arthritis. This study was designed to report longer-term results and to provide a decision model to assist surgeons in achieving successful outcomes. Our selection strategy for hemiarthroplasty included shoulders with (1) a concentric glenoid with eburnated bone, (2) a nonconcentric glenoid that could be converted to a smooth concentric surface, and (3) a humeral head centered within the glenoid after soft-tissue balancing. METHODS: Fifty-seven consecutive patients (sixty-four shoulders) who had osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, without advanced disease in the glenoid, were treated with hemiarthroplasty. In each instance, a modular prosthesis was implanted. Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and at one-year intervals postoperatively for at least five years with use of patient self-assessment instruments, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire, the Simple Shoulder Test, and a visual analog pain scale. A detailed radiographic analysis was performed to determine the presence of glenohumeral subluxation, periprosthetic radiolucency, and glenoid bone loss. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (fifty shoulders) were followed for a minimum of five years (mean, 7.5 years). Of the remaining fourteen patients (fourteen shoulders), ten were lost to follow-up, three had died, and one was excluded. For the Simple Shoulder Test, and for every visual analog scale measure, the results at the final follow-up evaluation were significantly better than the preoperative results (p < 0.0001 for each). The mean Simple Shoulder Test score at the time of the final follow-up was 9.4 positive responses compared with 9.7 positive responses at the two-year evaluation (p = 0.32), and the mean visual analog scale score for pain was 18.6 points compared with 14.9 points at two years (p = 0.45). Radiographic analysis showed the majority of stems had either no lucency or lucencies only near the tip of the stem. Glenoid bone loss and subluxation improved postoperatively, and the results were maintained at the final follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty provides sustained good-to-excellent pain relief and functional improvement at five to ten years postoperatively in carefully selected patients with osteoarthritis.