Prostheses for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, patients with rotator cuff arthropathy had limited reconstructive options. The early generations of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) designs had increased failure rates due to loosening of glenoid baseplates secondary to excessive torques. In 1985, Paul Grammont introduced a prosthetic design changing the center of rotation that addressed this major complication. The Grammont principles remain the foundation of modern reverse total shoulder prostheses, although the original design has undergone several adaptations. We reviewed here the various aspects of prosthetic designs including baseplates, glenospheres, humeral components, and polyethylene bearing interfaces. AREAS COVERED: We discuss the evolution, biomechanics, prosthetic options, and future direction for rTSA. A literature search using the PubMed database including review articles, biomechanical studies, and clinical trials pertaining to rTSA prothesis and outcomes. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Despite an expansion in the understanding of the biomechanics of the rotator cuff deficient shoulder and its effect on the reverse total shoulder prostheses, Grammont principles remain the foundation of contemporary rTSA designs. Further clinical studies are needed to assess how modern prosthetic modifications effect clinical and radiographic outcomes. Additionally, implants are being used in younger individuals with expanded indications, therefore, close clinical monitoring is needed to better evaluate their prosthetic longevity.

An atypical presentation of heterotopic ossification following pelvic ring injury.

Disruption of the pelvic ring is associated with great morbidity and mortality. The high-energy blunt trauma that often leads to these injuries is also responsible for the head, chest, spine, extremity, and genitourinary trauma seen concurrently. Urethral and bladder injuries have been reported in up to 25% of patients with pelvic fractures and can lead to a plethora of urogenital problems. Heterotopic ossification of the penis, presenting as erectile dysfunction, has never been described as a complication of pelvic ring injury. We present the first case of this type of heterotopic ossification, in a 46-year-old male who sustained an anteroposterior compression type II injury with no evidence of genitourinary tract damage.

Biomechanical effects of harvesting bone graft with the Reamer/Irrigator/Aspirator on the adult femur: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVES: Test the biomechanical properties of femurs that have undergone reaming with the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) device with an aim to prove no difference in torsional strength between matched pairs. METHODS: Intact femurs were harvested from embalmed cadavers, representing 19 matched pairs. One femur from each pair was randomly selected to undergo reaming using the RIA to 15 mm. The bones were then cut and potted using a uniform jig for testing. Each specimen was tested in torsion and torsional stiffness was calculated for each pair. Samples were loaded until fracture or 11 3 N·m of torque. RESULTS: Nine of the reamed specimens and 13 of the unreamed samples remained intact until the machine limit of 113 N·m was reached, representing approximately four times the peak torque of 30N·m seen with stair climbing [Garino J, Beredjiklian P. Core Knowledge in Orthopaedics: Adult Reconstruction and Arthroplasty. Chapter 1, page 33. Mosby, 2007]. Mean torsional stiffness for the reamed group was 532.1 N·m/rad (SD = 208.2), and the unreamed was 546.2 N·m/rad (SD=206). Torsional load capacity was calculated for all specimens and compared in groups in which both reamed and unreamed specimens failed. In these five groups, mean load capacity was 80.6 Nm (SD = 9.5) for the reamed group, and 85 Nm (SD = 16.1) for the unreamed group. CONCLUSIONS: 17 of our reamed specimens and all of our unreamed specimens withstood normal physiologic load seen with stair climbing. In addition, 16 of 19 reamed specimens remained intact at twice this load. The specimen in the reamed group with the lowest torsional load capacity was eccentrically reamed in the distal anterior cortex highlighting potential complications. Given these findings, reaming the cortex of the femur with the RIA device for the purpose of harvesting bone graft does not appear to dramatically diminish the mechanical properties of the cortex or require postoperative weight bearing restrictions. However, careful attention must be paid to technique as eccentric reaming either proximally or distally may result in catastrophic failure. Careful attention must be paid to the use of irrigating fluid and post operative blood loss, and a thorough discussion of risk factors including postoperative fracture should be covered when obtaining informed consent.