Is there still a place for anatomic hemiarthroplasty in patients with high functional demands in primary, nonreconstructable proximal humeral fractures? A clinical and radiographic assessment.

BACKGROUND: Vitality-threatening proximal humerus fractures often provide an indication for prosthetic treatment. We investigated the issue of how anatomic hemiprostheses perform in younger, functionally challenging patients with the use of a specific fracture stem and systematic tuberosity management in medium-term follow-up. METHODS: Thirteen skeletally mature patients with a mean age of 64 ± 9 years and a minimum follow-up of 1 year after primary open-stem hemiarthroplasty for 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures were included. All patients were followed up regarding their clinical course. Radiologic follow-up included fracture classification, healing of tuberosities, proximal migration of the humeral head, evidence of stem loosening, and glenoid erosion. Functional follow-up included range of motion, pain, objective and subjective performance scores, complications, and return to sports rates. We statistically compared treatment success based on the Constant score between the cohort with proximal migration and the cohort with regular acromiohumeral distance by means of the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: After an average follow-up period of 4.8 years, satisfactory results were obtained. The absolute Constant-Murley score was 73.2 ± 12.4 points. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 13.2 ± 13.0 points. Patients reported their mean subjective shoulder value as 86.6% ± 8.5%. Pain was reported as 1.1 ± 1.3 points on a visual analog scale. Flexion, abduction, and external rotation values were 138 ± 31°, 134 ± 34°, and 32 ± 17°, respectively. 84.6% of the referred tuberosities healed successfully. Proximal migration was observed in 38.5% of cases and was associated with worse Constant score results (P = .065). No patient showed signs of loosening. Mild glenoid erosion was apparent in 4 patients (30.8%). All patients who were interviewed and participated in sports before surgery were able to return to their primary sport after surgery and continued to do so during the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: With narrow indications, use of a specific fracture stem and adequate tuberosity management, successful radiographic and functional results are presented after a mean follow-up of 4.8 years after hemiarthroplasty for primary nonreconstructable humeral head fractures. Accordingly, open-stem hemiarthroplasty appears to remain a possible alternative to reverse shoulder arthroplasty in younger, functionally challenging patients with primary 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures.

Complications and revisions in anatomic and reverse short stem shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: One current trend in the field of shoulder arthroplasty is a design shift to shorter and metaphyseal fixed humeral stem components. The aim of this investigation is to analyze complications resulting in revision surgery after anatomic (ASA) and reverse (RSA) short stem arthroplasty. We hypothesize that complications are influenced by the type of prosthesis and indication for arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 279 short stem shoulder prostheses were implanted by the same surgeon (162 ASA; 117 RSA), and 223 of these prostheses were implanted as primary procedures; in 54 cases, arthroplasty was performed secondary to prior open surgery. Main indications were osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 134), cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) (n = 74) and posttraumatic deformities (PTr) (n = 59). Patients were evaluated at 6 weeks (follow-up 1; FU1), 2 years (FU2) and the time span of the last follow-up defined as FU3 with a minimum FU of 2 years. Complications were categorized into early complications (within FU1), intermediate complications (within FU2) and late complications (> 2 years; FU3). RESULTS: In total, 268 prostheses (96.1%) were available for FU1; 267 prostheses (95.7%) were available for FU2 and 218 prostheses (77.8%) were available for FU3. The average time for FU3 was 53.0 months (range 24-95). A complication leading to revision occurred in 21 prostheses (7.8%), 6 (3.7%) in the ASA group and 15 (12.7%) in the RSA group (p < 0.005). The most frequent cause for revision was infection (n = 9; 42.9%). After primary implantation, 3 complications (2.2%) occurred in the ASA and 10 complications (11.0%) in the RSA group (p < 0.005). The complication rate was 2.2% in patients with OA, 13.5% in CTA and 11.9% in PTr. CONCLUSIONS: Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty had a significantly higher rate of complications and revisions than primary and secondary anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, respectively. Therefore, indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty should be critically questioned in each individual case.

Primary reverse shoulder replacement with a short stem: A systematic literature review.

Background: Total shoulder arthroplasty implant designs have continued to evolve over the years. One recent change has been the shortening of the humeral component to preserve bone stock and to facilitate revision surgery. Despite promising clinical results, radiographic bone adaptions occur frequently in short-stem total shoulder arthroplasty, and limited data exist on short-stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of this systematic review was to provide an overview about the functional and radiographic outcomes after an uncemented short-stem RSA, as well as identify areas of clinical importance that are underreported in the current literature. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. Clinical outcome studies reporting on short-stem RSA outcomes with evidence level I-IV were included. Demographics, clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as complications and revision data were systematically analyzed and described. Results: Ten studies, published between 2014 and 2019, reporting on 555 shoulders with a mean follow-up of 32 months (range, 20-99.6 months) met the inclusion criteria. For all studies cuff tear arthropathy was the main indication for RSA (36%), followed by primary osteoarthritis (20%). Clinical outcome was reported in nine of ten studies, with range of motion improving in all studies. Six of the seven studies that used the Constant score (CS) demonstrated significant improvement (27.9 points to 69.3 points in weighted means). All studies reported on radiographic changes and bone adaptions. Among these, scapular notching was the most commonly observed (60 out of 327 cases, 18%) but without any described implication on clinical outcomes. No stem loosening was recorded at any final follow-up. A total of 63 complications (12.9%) were reported, with scapula fractures being the most commonly reported complication. Revision surgery was necessary in 24 cases (4.9%). Conclusion: Good clinical results, comparable with long-stem RSAs, are reported at short-term follow-up for short-stem RSAs. Humeral bone adaptions occur frequently but aseptic stem loosening is not a matter of concern at short-term follow-up. An area of clinical importance that is under-reported is the relation between filling ratio and stem alignment in short-stem RSA.

Correction: Could long-term overhead load in painters be associated with rotator cuff lesions? A pilot study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213824.].

Could long-term overhead load in painters be associated with rotator cuff lesions? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Use of the arm above shoulder level has been described as a risk factor for developing rotator cuff tears (RCT). There is a lack of information regarding the frequency and distribution of RCT in a population using their arms above shoulder level during daily work. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and radiographic findings in a population of painters working more than 10 years and to compare the results with a control group (CG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 individuals working more than 10 years as a painter were compared to 100 matched controls without using their arms above shoulder level. MRI scans were performed in all participants. Clinically, the Constant score, DASH score and range of motion (ROM) of the shoulders were analyzed. RESULTS: In the painter group (PG) a tear of the supraspinatus tendon was detected in 45% (10%full-thickness; 35% partial) compared to 8% in the (CG) (3% full-thickness; 5%partial; p<0.001). Impingement test was painful in 52% of PG and 7% of CG (p<0.001). The Constant score in the PG was significantly lower compared to the CG (62 vs. 93 points; p<0.001). PG had significantly worse DASH scores and inferior active and passive ROM of the dominant shoulders. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, three risk factors (smoking, sports activity, and handedness) showed no effect. However, group membership (PG/CG) and age revealed a significant effect. CONCLUSION: Long-term occupational load on the shoulders in painters seems to be associated with an increased risk for developing RCT. Our findings may provide support for developing preventive strategies for this unique cohort. Level of evidence: III.

Rate of avascular necrosis after fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus: Timing of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is a severe complication after proximal humerus fracture dislocations, and leads to a poorer clinical outcome and subsequent revision surgeries. The aim of the current study was to analyze the influence of time to surgery on the AVN rate after locked plating of dislocation fractures of the proximal humerus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 30 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 14 years with dislocation fractures of the proximal humerus type B3 or C3 according the AO/OTA classification. The rates of AVN of the humeral head were determined clinically and radiographically. In addition, the clinical outcome was determined using the Constant score (CS), the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS%), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the range of motion, and complication and revision rates. Patients were subdivided into groups of subjects operated on early (≤48 h after trauma) and those with late surgery (>48 h after trauma), and the relative risk (RR) for complications and revisions was determined for both groups. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 37 months (range: 12-66 month) the mean CS% was 60 ± 24 and the mean DASH score was 32 ± 24 points. Ten patients (33%) developed a symptomatic AVN, and ten patients underwent revision surgery. Early surgery was performed on 25 patients while five patients underwent late surgery. After late surgery, all five patients developed AVN, and patients had a fivefold increased RR for AVN (p = 0.002) and subsequent associated surgical revision (RR = 3.3, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: In fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus, early surgery within 48 h of trauma significantly decreases the risk of AVN and subsequent surgery.

Impact of spine alignment on the rotator cuff in long-term wheelchair users.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of poor seated posture on the prevalence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) among wheelchair-dependent individuals with long-standing paraplegia. METHODS: The study included 319 patients. Lateral radiographs of the spine were collected from a database and analyzed to assess the global spinopelvic alignment (SPA). Magnetic resonance images of both shoulders were obtained to detect the presence of cuff tears. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group RCT-I included all patients with cuff tears (right, left, or bilateral), whereas group RCT-II consisted exclusively of patients with bilateral cuff tears. We used the classification systems developed by Kendall et al and Roussouly et al to assess the sagittal spine alignment and SPA, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. To fit both models (groups RCT-I and RCT-II) to the data, the 4 spine curves according to Roussouly et al were subdivided into 2 groups: Group SPA-I included both type 1 and type 2, whereas group SPA-II included both type 3 and type 4. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance images showed a cuff tear in 192 patients (60.19%) (group RCT-I). Among those, 37 patients (11.60%) had tears in both shoulders (group RCT-II). In group RCT-I, 70.31% of the patients had a kyphotic-lordotic posture. The kyphotic-lordotic posture, a longer duration, and a more rostral neurologic level of injury were highly associated with cuff tear prevalence. In group RCT-II, the multivariate analysis showed that only the duration of spinal cord injury was significantly associated with RCTs. CONCLUSION: Thoracic hyperkyphosis was associated with a markedly high rate of RCTs. The data from this study may provide support for developing preventive strategies.

Chondral defects of the glenohumeral joint: Long-term outcome after microfracturing of the shoulder.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of young patients are diagnosed with chondral lesions. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are important in order to delay progression of the early stages of osteoarthritis and the need for total joint replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 32) who had received microfracturing of the shoulder were retrospectively enrolled, of whom 5 had received shoulder replacements after a mean time of 47 months. Of these patients, 23 completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Constant-Murley Scores in addition to an additional subjective questionnaire. Patients were then clinically examined and received x­ray analysis of the operated shoulder. Data from an additional 4 patients were acquired by telephone interview. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 105 months. Of the included patients, 13/27 patients reported no pain, 12/27 patients moderate pain. Of these 12, 6/27 reported pain only at night and 3/27 only during rest. Concerning the outcome of surgery, 19/27 patients were "satisfied" or "very satisfied". There was a statistically significant increase in internal rotation, but no further differences in the range of motion pre- and postoperatively. Patients without any signs of osteoarthritis before surgery showed statistically significantly better outcomes. There was a statistically significant increase in radiological signs of osteoarthrosis in pre- versus postoperative patients. Patients with bipolar lesions showed statistically significantly poorer Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) results. CONCLUSION: Even though microfracturing does not prevent radiographic progression, microfracture of the glenohumeral joint might be worth considering as part of a treatment regimen for younger patients who may not yet be treated with arthroplasty.

Functional results of hemi- and total shoulder arthroplasty according to diagnosis and patient age at surgery.

Background and purpose - There is a lack of information on any associations between the functional outcome and age and diagnosis in patients who have undergone shoulder arthroplasty. We therefore evaluated the functional outcome in "young" and "old" patients treated with either hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with diverse diagnoses. Patients and methods - The functional results of 496 primary shoulder arthroplasties were analyzed using the Constant score (age- and sex-adjusted) and subjective satisfaction. Patients ≤55 years of age at surgery were defined as "young. Diagnoses were primary osteoarthritis (n = 339), posttraumatic osteoarthritis (n = 78), cuff tear arthropathy (n = 36), avascular necrosis (n = 30), and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 13). Mean length of follow-up was 4 (2-14) years. Results - 70% of the TSA patients were very satisfied with the postoperative result, as compared to 39% after HA. The Constant score and patient satisfaction were similar in the "young" and "old" groups. Pain relief was better in the "old" group. The mean improvement in the Constant score after cuff tear arthropathy (22 points) was inferior to that for primary osteoarthritis (36 points), avascular necrosis (34 points), and rheumatoid arthritis (37 points). Inferior mean Constant scores were also seen for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (29 points) compared to primary osteoarthritis (36 points). 63% of patients with primary osteoarthritis were very satisfied, as compared to only 36% of the patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Interpretation - Shoulder arthroplasty is successful in the medium term for different glenohumeral diseases, irrespective of patient age at surgery. However, the appropriate treatment method for cuff tear and posttraumatic conditions of the shoulder remains to be found, particularly in young patients.

Reverse arthroplasty for patients with chronic locked dislocation of the shoulder (type 2 fracture sequela).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this multicenter study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcome and to report on the types of complications in patients with chronic locked shoulder dislocation treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 71 years were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.5 years. Preoperatively, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed and analyzed for bone defects and the status of the rotator cuff. Radiographs in 2 planes were obtained before arthroplasty and at final follow-up (mean, 3.5 years; range, 2-9 years). The Constant-Murley score was documented, together with active shoulder flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in mean Constant-Murley score from 13.6 points preoperatively to 47.4 points postoperatively (P < .001). Mean shoulder flexion was 37.7° before arthroplasty and 103° thereafter (P < .001). External rotation increased from -0.5° to 14.7° (P < .003). There were 7 complications (32%), leading to revision surgery in 6 cases (27%). The most common reason for revision surgery was failure of the glenoid component due to bone defects on the glenoid side. Eight patients rated their subjective result as very good, 5 as good, 5 as satisfactory, and 4 as unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be a viable treatment option for chronic locked shoulder dislocations with concomitant rotator cuff lesions and an intact glenoid. However, improvement in function is only fair and in this series, there was a high percentage of complications requiring re-operation.

Total shoulder arthroplasty: risk factors for intraoperative and postoperative complications in patients with primary arthritis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated and identified risk factors for the development of intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications in total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with primary osteoarthritis. METHODS: We evaluated patient-specific factors, including age, sex, body mass index, prior nonarthroplasty surgery, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System in 275 patients (76 men, 199 women) with an average age of 68 years (range, 51-85 years). We categorized the number and severity of all complications and correlated these results with the patient-specific factors RESULTS: Twenty-seven complications (9.8%) in 275 shoulder arthroplasties were recorded. We identified 22 patients (8%) with category I complications and 5 (2.8%) with category II complications. Patients with an ASA score of 3 showed an increased likelihood of having a surgical complication compared with the control group with ASA scores of 1 and 2 (odds ratio, 4.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-10.20; P < .01). Smokers were more prone to surgical complications than nonsmokers (odds ratio, 5.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-13.11; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Surgical complication rates after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with primary osteoarthritis correlate with the patient's overall health status and nicotine consumption. This may be useful for predicting the likelihood of surgical complications and may thus prove important for clinicians to better assess and explain possible risks before surgery.

Predictors of medium-term clinical outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The study aims to measure the relationship of potential clinical and radiographic predictors and medium-term clinical outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty in primary osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective follow-up study, preoperatively collected clinical and radiographic variables were recorded in 103 patients with an average age of 66 years (range 37-83 years) to measure their influence on the clinical outcome by use of the Constant score. The average length of follow-up was 6 years (range 3-12 years). Radiographs and a computed tomography (CT) of the shoulders were obtained preoperatively for evaluating the acromiohumeral distance, the lateral glenohumeral offset and the morphology of the glenoid, which was classified according to the method by Walch (type-A1 to type-C glenoids). RESULTS: The mean Constant score improved from its preoperative value of 25 points (range 6-54 points) to 65 points (range 10-86 points) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean age- and sex-normalized Constant score was similarly improved from 34 points (range 8-78 points) preoperatively to 90 points (range 14-130 points) at the time of follow-up (p < 0.001). The Walch classification of glenoid wear had a significant negative effect (r = -0.32, p < 0.001). The other predictors showed no significant influence on the Constant score (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A higher Walch classification is a negative predictor for the postoperative clinical function. The proven significant negative effect  on outcomes in total shoulder arthroplasty emphasizes the importance of the preoperative evaluation of humeral head subluxation and glenoid erosion, which are associated with less favorable postoperative results. The measured internal patient variables gave no negative predictions on the medium-term clinical outcomes in the study population.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Malunions of the Proximal Part of the Humerus (Type-4 Fracture Sequelae).

BACKGROUND: The treatment of fracture sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus in combination with posttraumatic arthritis is challenging. The reported results of treatment with anatomic shoulder arthroplasty are disappointing. The aim of this multicenter study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of posttraumatic sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus with malunion of the tuberosities. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter study of 42 patients (42 shoulders) with the diagnosis of posttraumatic sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus with malunions of the tuberosities who were treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty between 2000 and 2010. The mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 68 years (range, 27 to 83 years; median, 70 years). The dominant side was treated in 24 cases. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 4 years (range, 2 to 13 years; median, 3.5 years). The Constant score including subgroups, shoulder flexion, rotation motion, and radiographs of the affected shoulders were analyzed before the surgical procedure and at the time of the latest follow-up. Patients categorized their postoperative results as very good, good, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. RESULTS: The mean Constant score increased from 19.7 points (range, 0 to 52 points) preoperatively to 54.9 points (range, 21 to 83 points) postoperatively (p < 0.0001). All of the subgroups of the Constant score also increased, as did active shoulder flexion and external rotation (all p < 0.0001). In one case, loosening of the humeral and glenoid components occurred. Scapular notching was present in 22 shoulders (52%) and was grade 1 in 12 cases, grade 2 in 4 cases, grade 3 in 2 cases, and grade 4 in 4 cases. Complications occurred in 4 patients (9.5%). Eighteen patients (43%) rated their result as very good, 19 (45%) rated their result as good, 4 (10%) rated their result as satisfactory, and one (2%) rated the result as unsatisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for type-4 proximal humeral fracture sequelae that cannot otherwise be treated with anatomic shoulder replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Radiologic bone adaptations on a cementless short-stem shoulder prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the timing and location of radiologic bone adaptations related to shoulder arthroplasty using a single type of cementless short-stem shoulder prosthesis. METHODS: Uncemented short-stem shoulder arthroplasties were evaluated in 52 patients at a mean age of 71.6 years (range, 58.1-86.6) with a minimum clinical and radiologic follow-up of 2 years (mean, 32 months; range, 23-52 months). All radiographs were analyzed for inclination of the stem, filling ratio of metaphysis and diaphysis, bone remodeling around the stem, radiolucent lines around the glenoid, and subsidence of the humeral stem. Finally, the radiographic and clinical findings were compared between patients with low and high bone adaptations. RESULTS: At final follow-up, no loosening, subsidence, or osteolysis was seen. High bone adaptations were present in 27 patients (51.9%). Cortical thinning and osteopenia in the medial cortex (82.7%) and spot welds in the lateral cortex (78.6%) were the most frequently occurring bone adaptations. Patients with high bone adaptations had significantly higher metaphyseal (0.60 ± 0.05 vs. 0.56 ± 0.06; P = .024) and diaphyseal filling ratio (0.66 ± 0.04 vs. 0.61 ± 0.06; P = .019) at 2-year follow-up than patients with low bone adaptations. Clinical outcome was not influenced by the radiographic changes. CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiologic results of the short-stem shoulder arthroplasty are comparable to those with the third and fourth generations of standard stem arthroplasty. Higher filling ratios in the metaphysis and the diaphysis were significantly associated with the occurrence of high bone adaptations.

How to discriminate between acute traumatic and chronic degenerative rotator cuff lesions: an analysis of specific criteria on radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Discrimination between acute traumatic and chronic degenerative rotator cuff lesions (RCLs) is an important aid to decision making in therapeutic management. To date, no clinical signs or radiologic findings that enable confident differentiation between these distinct etiologic entities have been identified. The purpose of this investigation was to perform a systematic analysis of known radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of RCLs and of further, not yet accurately described parameters. The hypothesis was that there are specific radiologic features that allow reliable discrimination between traumatic and nontraumatic RCLs. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with RCLs confirmed by MRI were enrolled in this study. Group A was made up of 25 patients with a history of trauma within the previous 6 weeks and no pre-existing shoulder pain, whereas group B comprised 25 patients with shoulder pain for not more than 12 months and no history of relevant trauma. Radiographs and magnetic resonance images were analyzed in a standardized protocol. RESULTS: No radiographic features were found to differ significantly between the 2 groups. On MRI, edema in the injured muscle was more common in group A (37.5% vs 4%, P = .04). A characteristic feature in traumatic RCLs was a wavelike appearance (kinking) of the central tendon (64% vs 32%, P = .03). In group B, more muscular atrophy was found (29.2% vs 60%, P = .02). Thinning and retraction did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: MRI, but not radiography, can be used to help discriminate between traumatic and nontraumatic RCLs. Although no absolute distinguishing feature was found, edema, kinking, and muscular atrophy are positive criteria for differentiation.

Clinical and radiological results of a cementless short stem shoulder prosthesis at minimum follow-up of two years.

PURPOSE: Uncemented short stem shoulder arthroplasty combines the advantages of a bone-saving implantation with a straightforward revision option. Uncemented humeral long stems can be associated with stress shielding and loosening. Therefore, we analysed the clinical and radiological outcome of a short stem shoulder prosthesis with metaphyseal fixation. METHODS: This two-centre study included 82 total shoulder arthroplasties in 80 patients with short stem shoulder prosthesis and a cemented polyethylene glenoid performed between 2010 and 2012. Sixty-eight shoulders had primary osteoarthritis, eight shoulders had post traumatic sequelae and six had other diagnoses. Minimum follow-up was two years. Outcome data included the Constant Score (CS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Pain Scale (0-15) and range of motion. Radiographic evaluation was done in shoulders with primary osteoarthritis in a standard view. RESULTS: The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 31.2 ± 7.2 months (20-52). CS improved from 36.7 ± 15.2 % to 90.4 ± 16.4% and SSV improved from 39.4 ± 15.5 points to 85.5 ± 13.2 points (p < 0.0001). Pain was rated as mild or none in 76 shoulders (92.7%) with a mean value of 13.2 ± 2.6. The mean active flexion was 157.0 ± 24.7°, abduction was 152.6 ± 29.1° and the active external rotation was 38.2 ± 14.8° at recent follow-up. Radiographic assessment was done in 44 shoulders. Six shoulders (13.6%) showed features of slight stress shielding at the medial cortex and no stem with subsidence was found. Three glenoids (6.8%) had minor radiolucent lines. CONCLUSIONS: Uncemented short stem shoulder arthroplasty with a cemented polyethylene glenoid can yield a stable fixation with a good clinical outcome at minimum follow-up of two years.

Do overhead sports increase risk for rotator cuff tears in wheelchair users?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether frequent overhead-sports activity increases the risk for rotator cuff disease in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) who are wheelchair dependent. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, risk analysis. SETTING: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=296) with SCI requiring the full-time use of a manual wheelchair were recruited for this study. The total population was divided into 2 groups (sports vs no sports), among them 103 patients playing overhead sports on a regular basis (at least 1-2 times/wk) and 193 patients involved in overhead sports less than once a week or in no sports activity at all. The mean age of the sports group was 49.1 years. The mean duration of wheelchair dependence was 26.5 years. The mean age of the no-sports group was 48 years. The mean duration of wheelchair dependence was 25.2 years. Each individual completed a questionnaire designed to identify overhead-sports activity on a regular basis and was asked about shoulder problems. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of both shoulders were performed in each patient and analyzed in a standardized fashion. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Possible differences in continuous data between patients with and without rotator cuff tear were evaluated. The relative risk of suffering from a rotator cuff tear between patients playing overhead sports and those not playing overhead sports was calculated. RESULTS: One hundred three patients played overhead sports regularly and 193 did not. There was no difference between groups regarding age, sex, level of SCI, and duration of wheelchair dependence. The body mass index was significantly lower in the sports group than in the no-sports group (P<.0001). A rotator cuff tear was present in 75.7% of the patients in the sports group and in 36.3% of the patients in the no-sports group (P<.0001). Rotator cuff tears were symptomatic in 92.6% of the patients. The estimated risk increase for the sports group to develop rotator cuff tears was twice as high as for the no-sports group (95% confidence interval, 1.7-2.6; P<.001). Similar results were found for the neurological level of lesion (T2-7/

Do patients return to sports and work after total shoulder replacement surgery?

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the return to sports and work after shoulder arthroplasty are rare, and there are no studies evaluating return to work after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). HYPOTHESIS: Patients undergoing TSA will be able to return to their preoperative sports levels and occupations. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 154 patients with 170 TSAs for primary glenohumeral arthritis were included. Two subgroups were formed: patients who had participated in sports during the 5 years before surgery (group 1; n = 105 [68%]) and patients who had never participated in sports (group 2; n = 49 [32%]). The return-to-work rate in patients who had not retired after surgery were also analyzed, as were responses to a survey. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of surgery was 71 years (range, 33-88 years) in group 1 and 76 years (range, 54-88 years) in group 2. Mean follow-up time was 6.2 years (range, 2.5-12.6 years). Fifty-seven patients (54%) in group 1 participated in sports right up to the time of surgery. All 57 (100%) returned to sports after surgery. A further 3 patients (3%) from group 1 resumed sporting activity after surgery; swimming was the most popular sport. No patient in group 2 started sports activity after shoulder replacement surgery. Many of the patients, 14% of the entire group, had retired by final follow-up because of TSA. Fourteen percent of patients in group 1 and group 2 were pursuing their work at the time of most recent follow-up. Thirty patients of the entire cohort (19.5%) had to change their occupations because of surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients who participated in sports before TSA were successfully able to return to sports activities after surgery. Patients who did not participate in sports just before surgery were unlikely to start sports after surgery. Fourteen percent of the entire cohort was able to return to work after surgery.

Results of cementless humeral head resurfacing with cemented glenoid components.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the short- and medium-term clinical and radiographic results of cementless humeral head resurfacing in combination with a cemented glenoid component. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 65 years (range 42-84) and a mean follow-up of three years (two to six) were followed up. The Constant score with its subgroups as well as shoulder motions and complications were recorded. Radiographs in two planes were analysed for loosening of the components. RESULTS: Mean Constant score improved from 29 points (6-63) to 70 points (41-89; p < 0.001). Mean shoulder flexion increased from 89° (20-170) to 158° (100-180) and mean external rotation from 10° (-10-30) to 39° (10-80). Satisfaction rate was 94 % at final follow-up. None of the components was found to be loose. There were three neurological complications, probably related to increased forces on the humeral head retractor during glenoid preparation. Two of them resolved completely; in one patient hyposensitivity remained. CONCLUSION: Cementless humeral surface replacement arthroplasty in combination with a cemented glenoid component leads to an overall satisfactory clinical outcome. However, the high rate of neurological complications found in this study, probably related to difficult glenoid exposure, led us to discontinue this implant configuration.