Mid-term results of a stemless ceramic on polyethylene shoulder prosthesis - A prospective multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Early reports of stemless shoulder arthroplasty have shown promising clinical and radiological outcomes. The purpose of this study was to report on the mid-term results of an implant that utilises a ceramic humeral head. METHODS: A prospective, consecutive, multicentre study of stemless shoulder prosthesis with a minimum of four years of follow-up was conducted between August 2009 and May 2012. The adjusted Constant-Murley Score (CMS), revision rate and presence of radiolucent lines were recorded at intervals. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients were eligible for study inclusion; 62.8% were female and mean age was 64.8 years (range 30-86). Mean follow-up was 70.7 months (range 48-100), 73% underwent TSA and 27% hemiarthroplasty. The mean CMS improvement was 42.6 (p < 0.0001) at 48 months. Radiolucencies were present in 2.7% of humeral zones and 14% of glenoid zones at 48-month follow-up. The revision rate was 6.3% with rotator cuff failure (2.9%) the most common indication. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term results demonstrate that the studied stemless implant with a ceramic humeral head had clinical and radiological outcomes that are comparable to other reported studies.

Survival analysis of an asymmetric primary total knee replacement: a European multicenter prospective study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This multicenter prospective study objective is to provide midterm results and 10-year survival analysis of the original Natural Knee-I System™ as experienced by a group of surgeons performing, within various settings, primary total knee replacement (TKR) in the general population. HYPOTHESIS: The midterm experience with this TKR system in the hands of independent surgical teams can duplicate the satisfaction level that was already published by the designer's group itself. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two hundred and sixty-three primary TKR were performed by seven surgical teams (37 surgeons) and prospectively evaluated in four European countries. Mean age of the 263 patients (sex ratio, 2.7 females/1 male) was 69 years (range, 35-92) and diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 85%. For the 247 TKR with complete operative data, the approach was subvastus in 59%, posterior cruciate ligament was spared in 78%, patella was resurfaced in 56%, and 79% of reconstructions were totally cement-free. Fixation mode was only depending on the surgeon's choice. RESULTS: At 76 months average follow-up (range 24-190 months), modified Hospital for Special Surgery knee mean score improved from 48 points preoperatively to 83 points. Four reoperations and five revision procedures were required for eight knees. Over the 14-year survey period, the overall revision rate burden was 2% and revision rate per 100 observed component/year, 0.32. At 10 years, survivorship (with revision for aseptic loosening as its end-point [two fully cementless knees]) was 98.6%. DISCUSSION: Both this multicenter study and data drawn from national registers provided outcomes with equivalent level of satisfaction at equivalent follow-up to those reported by the NK-I prosthesis designer. There was no significant difference between revision rates of cemented, hybrid or cementless reconstructions. CONCLUSION: In non-designer orthopaedists' hands, the Natural Knee-I System™, either with cemented or cementless fixation, provided satisfying midterm results as normally expected in primary TKR with such a modern modular prosthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Prospective study.

Central motor deficits of the deltoid muscle in patients with chronic rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Previous surface EMG studies have shown that chronic rotator cuff tears (RCT) may be associated with a altered activation of adjacent shoulder muscles. The effect of RCT on central neuromuscular control mechanisms of the shoulder girdle muscles such as the deltoideus muscle (MD), a key muscle of shoulder function, has as yet not been studied in detail. This study investigated the cortico-spinal excitability of the MD to assess the effects of RCT on the central neuromuscular function of upper limb muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The motor evoked potentials (MEP) in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation of MD and first dorsal interosseus muscle (FDI) on both sides were obtained of six right-handed men with chronic, symptomatic, full-thickness RCT on the dominant sides. Stimulus response curves at four different levels were measured at two tasks (MD at rest and during activity). RESULTS: Different interactions were found between stimulus intensity, task and side for MEP of the MD (F = 3.9, P = 0.03), indicating that MD excitability on the affected side were lower when compared with the non-affected side. No correlation was found between the correspondent MEP amplitudes of MD and FDI at rest (r = 0.1, P = 0.44) and MD activation (r = 0.3, P = 0.05) on the affected side whereas a correlation existed on the non-affected side at rest (r = 0.5, P = 0.007) and during activation (r = 0.8, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These decreased cortico-motoneuronal excitability of the MD on the affected side seems to related to adaptive chan- ges in motor cortex as a consequence of chronic RCT. The data suggest an involvement of central mechanisms and seem to precede severe changes of osteoarthritis of the shoulder.

The patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE): cross-cultural adaptation into German and evaluation of its psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation form (PRWE) into German (PRWE-G) and to evaluate its reliability and validity. METHODS: A cross-cultural adaptation of the PRWE was carried out, according to established guidelines. 103 patients, who had undergone resection interposition arthroplasty (RIAP) for carpometacarpal osteoarthritis approximately 6.2 years earlier, completed a questionnaire booklet containing the PRWE-G, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); they also underwent clinical assessment with the Hand Function Index (HFI, Keitel) and Custom Score including grip and pinch strength tests. The results were used to assess the criterion and construct validity of the PRWE-G. To measure the re-test reliability, 51 patients completed a second PRWE-G within 2 weeks. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the PRWE-G was acceptable for the pain and function sub-scales and for the global score, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.78-0.87. The PRWE-G showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas of 0.92-0.97 for the scales and the total score). The typical error of measurement for the global score was 8.1 points, giving a minimal detectable change (MDC95%) of approximately 22.5 points. The PRWE-G scores correlated well with those of the DASH (r=0.82, p<0.001) but less well with those of the physical component summary of the SF-36 (r=0.53, p<0.001) and not at all with the mental component summary scores of the SF-36 (r=0.04, p>0.05). The PRWE-G scores correlated moderately with certain clinical findings of the HFI, Custom Score, and grip/pinch strength tests (r=0.30-0.59, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The PRWE-G represents a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate self-rated outcome in German-speaking patients with hand and wrist pathology.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Patient Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE) for German-speaking patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patient-orientated questionnaires are important instruments for the assessment of outcome in the clinical environment and in musculoskeletal research. The objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the Patient Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE) into German (PREE-G) and to test its reliability, validity and psychometric properties. METHODS: The PREE was cross-culturally adapted for the German language, according to established guidelines. Fifty-six patients who had undergone elbow arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or chronic polyarthritis, on average 11 years previously, were assessed using the PREE-G, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) and the modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (mASES) clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) of the PREE-G was 0.80, and the internal consistency 0.96. The PREE-G correlated with the DASH (r = 0.73) and the physical component summary of the SF-36 (r = 0.57) but not with the mental component summary (r = -0.02). The PREE-G correlated moderately with certain clinical findings (mASES) (r = 0.36-0.54; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The PREE-G represents a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate subjective outcome in German speaking patients with elbow pathology.

[Periprosthetic fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Periprothetische Frakturen bei Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis.

Postoperative periprosthetic fracture is a rare but serious complication after joint replacement surgery. Due to poor bone quality, multiple joint involvement with the replacement of different joints and considerable comorbidity, the presence of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a high risk of periprosthetic fractures. For the same reasons, periprosthetic fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be very difficult to treat, and their management often requires an interdisciplinary approach. On the basis of the current literature, the present work describes different aspects of the epidemiology of periprosthetic fractures, principles of their classification, different treatment options and the results of treatment of these fractures. Special attention is paid to the situation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the German Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).

OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) from English into German, and to test the reliability and validity of the German version. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation of the SPADI was performed according to international guidelines. One hundred and eighteen patients who had undergone shoulder arthroplasty, on average 4 yr previously, completed a questionnaire booklet containing the German SPADI, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire for the shoulder to assess SPADI's construct validity. One week later, they completed the SPADI again to assess test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The six-step cross-cultural adaptation procedure revealed no major problems with the content or language. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the individual items of the SPADI were between 0.68 and 0.89, and that for the SPADI total score was 0.94. The SPADI total score showed a correlation of 0.61-0.69 with the SF-36 physical scales, of 0.88 with the DASH and of 0.92 with the ASES. CONCLUSIONS: The German SPADI is a practicable, reliable and valid instrument, and can be recommended for the self-assessment of shoulder pain and function.

[Medium-term results of the cementless femoral neck prosthesis CUT]. / Mittelfristige Ergebnisse der zementfreien Schenkelhals-Endoprothese Typ CUT.

AIM: The present work aims at evaluating the clinical and radiological midterm results of the femoral neck prosthesis CUT. METHOD: 67 femoral neck prostheses of the type CUT were implanted in 63 patients between 4/1999 and 5/2003 (average age 56 years). At an average follow-up time of 5.1 years (min.: 2.9; max.: 6.9) 53 patients with 57 CUT prostheses were examined clinically with the Harris hip score and radiologically. All together we determined the state of 64 CUT prostheses (96%). RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score improved from 55 points preoperatively to 90.4 points at the last follow-up and is assessed as a good result. A total of 7 CUT prostheses (11%) had been revised. 3 CUT prostheses (4.7%) had been revised because of aseptic loosening, 2 (3.1%) because of persisting postoperative thigh pain, 1 (1.6%) because of vertical migration of an unsuitable CUT prostheses a few days after the operation and 1 (1.6%) because of septic loosening. The survival rate according to Kaplan-Meier was 89.1% at 5.1 years. If the femoral neck was resected too widely there was an increased rate of horizontal migration with aseptic loosening of the CUT prostheses. CONCLUSION: In the midterm follow-up the CUT prosthesis shows a higher loosening rate as compared with cementless standard stems.

[The femoral neck prosthesis CUT. Three- to six-year results]. / Schenkelhalsendoprothese Typ CUT. 3- bis 6-Jahres-Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: As the number of younger patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty is growing steadily, bone-saving implantation techniques are increasingly gaining in importance. METHODS: Fifty-six femoral neck prostheses (type CUT, ESKA Implants, Lübeck, Germany) were implanted in 50 patients between 1999 and 2002 (average age 49 years). After a mean follow-up of 4.9 years (min.: 3.2, max.: 6.5), we determined the state of all the prostheses. Forty-four patients with 50 prostheses were examined clinically with the Harris hip score and were assessed radiologically. RESULTS: The average Harris hip score improved from 48 points preoperatively to 93 points at the most recent follow-up examination. Of the 56 CUT prostheses, 6 (10.7%) had been revised. Four of these six cases (7.1%) required revision because of aseptic loosening. The radiological evaluation of these four cases revealed in three cases progressive horizontal migration with varization of the prosthesis, although the stem had been correctly positioned in primary surgery, with the femoral neck resected too widely or completely. After 4.9 years, the survival rate of the CUT prostheses is 88.4% according to Kaplan-Meier for a necessary exchange of the CUT prostheses as an endpoint. CONCLUSION: The use of the CUT prosthesis can lead to good clinical and radiological results, but shows a higher loosening rate as compared with cementless standard stems. Further studies are necessary to determine if the CUT prosthesis is a real alternative to cementless standard stems.

[Long-term results with the Harris-Galante press-fit-cup]. / Langzeitergebnisse der Harris-Galante Press-fit-Pfanne.

AIM: The present work aims at evaluating the clinical and radiological long-term results of the Harris-Galante press-fit cup. METHOD: At an average follow-up time of 9.5 years (min. 9, max. 10.3) 123 patients with 138 Harris-Galante press-fit cups (HGP) were examined clinically and radiology. The clinical evaluation was done with the Harris hip score. Together with the HGP, which was inserted in all cases, five different femoral stems were implanted. A lateral approach, according to the technique of Watson-Jones, was used in all cases. RESULTS: The mean follow-up Harris hip score was 89 of 100 points and is assessed as a good result. 7 cups (5%) were classed as being radiological loose, but only one case had also clinical symptoms. A total of 10 cups (6.8%) had to be revised. 3 cups (2 %) had to be revised because of aseptic loosening. This result represents a survival rate of 93.2% according to Kaplan-Meier. CONCLUSION: The long-term clinical and radiological results of the Harris-Galante press-fit cup and there fixation method can assessed as good.

Protease expression in interface tissues around loose arthroplasties.

To determine whether cathepsins and matrix metalloproteinase-1 are involved in accelerating tissue destruction, we examined, immunohistochemically, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and cathepsins B, D, L, and X in periprosthetic synovial-like interface tissues from 14 patients with failed prosthetic hips and in the synovial membranes of hips from 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 25 patients with primary osteoarthritis. The expression levels of all these proteases in the interface tissue were higher than in the synovial membrane of osteoarthritis. The expression levels of cathepsins B and X in the interface tissue were higher than in the rheumatoid synovium. The results show similarities in the expression patterns of cathepsins D and L and matrix metalloproteinase-1 between aseptic prosthetic loosening and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, these data suggest that the impact of cathepsins B and X on tissue degradation is more pronounced in aseptic prosthetic loosening than in rheumatoid arthritis.

[Long-term results with the cementless CLS stem in hip replacement]. / Langzeitresultate des unzementierten CLS-Schaftes in der Hüftendoprothetik.

OBJECTIVE: The present work aims at evaluating the clinical and radiological long-term results of the cementless CLS stem in hip replacement. METHOD: Sixty-six consecutively operated patients were examined clinically and radiologically at an average follow-up time of 10.7 (7.6 - 13.8) years. The clinical evaluation was done with the Merle d'Aubigné and the Harris hip scores. The radiological evaluation included the evaluation of radiolucencies as well as the occurrence of heterotopic ossifications. RESULTS: A total of four stems had to be revised (two infections, two periprosthetic fractures). No stem revision had to be done because of aseptic loosening. This results in a survival rate of 94.5% according to Kaplan-Meier. The mean Merle d'Aubigné scores increased from 9.0 preoperatively to 16.0 points at follow-up. The mean follow-up Harris hip score was 87.3 points. Periprothetic osteolytic zones were observed in 45% of the cases, particularly in the Gruen zones 1 and 7. These osteolytic zones were mainly found in connection with cementless polyethylene cups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the positive short and medium-term results with the CLS stem in a long-term process. The formerly described phenomenon of the residual thigh pain with cementless stems was clearly minimized.

[History of German orthopedics 1989-2001]. / Geschichte der deutschen Orthopädie von 1989-2001.

The present article describes essential aspects of the development of German orthopedics from 1989 to 2001. Special attention is given to the unification of the two German orthopedic groups after the political turnaround in the German Democratic Republic and the resultant changes in the landscape of German orthopedics. In addition, further milestones in the development of German orthopedics during the last 10 years are presented, e.g., the formation of the Alliance of German Orthopedists, the establishment of various sections of the DGOT (German Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology) as well as the main focus of scientific activity in the past few years.

[Comparison of 2 surgical techniques in isolated supraspinatus rupture. A matched-pair study]. / Vergleich von 2 Operationstechniken bei isolierter Supraspinatusruptur. Eine Matched-pair-Studie.

The comparison of results after open surgery methods in the repair of rotator cuff ruptures needs homogen patient groups. We compared 34 patients in 2 groups who were treated with open surgery for isolated ruptures of the supraspinatus muscles (lesion type III). Patients in group I were treated with transosseous suture refixation of the supraspinatus, in group II suture anchors (type: Corkscrew) were used. Both groups were age and gender paired. Preoperatively, all patients had the same clinical status. For the evaluation of the clinical results at follow-up we used the Constant-Score. In addition, strength and pain measurement and oblique X-rays of the shoulder were performed. The follow-up time was 18 months. In all patients, the mean Constant-Score improved significantly with increase in muscle strength and marked pain reduction. Significant differences between both groups could not be observed. The mean time of surgery in group II (suture anchor) was significantly lower than in group I. In conclusion, with the anchor techniques the same good results can be achieved as with bone refixation. The shortening of the surgery time should, however, be seen in relation to the higher costs with this technique.

Have the new drugs relieved the burden of the orthopedic surgeon?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a chronic joint inflammation that leads to destructive lesions of joint cartilage and periarticular bone. Increased understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of RA and recent advantages in molecular technology have resulted in new antirheumatic drugs such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers, inhibitors of interleukin-1, and novel disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as leflunomide. This review summarizes the important effects of the novel antirheumatic drugs and their potential impact on the work of orthopedic surgeons. The ability of these agents not only to improve the clinical signs and symptoms of RA but also to prevent progressive joint damage promises support to the work of orthopedic surgeons and to the interdisciplinary treatment of RA patients. The challenge, however, will be to conduct studies that show the concrete way in which the single drugs may best relieve the burden of the orthopedic surgeon.

Development and characteristics of a synovial-like interface membrane around cemented tibial hemiarthroplasties in a novel rat model of aseptic prosthesis loosening.

OBJECTIVE: Aseptic prosthesis loosening (APL) is related to the formation and aggressive growth of a synovial-like interface membrane (SLIM) between prosthesis and bone. However, investigation of the early phases of SLIM development in humans presents major difficulties. This study was undertaken to develop and characterize the usefulness of a novel animal model of APL that is based on an established model of defined exercise in a running wheel by Wistar rats that have been subjected to intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). METHODS: Cemented tibial hemiarthroplasties were implanted into the left knees of 7 male Wistar rats. After 2 weeks, exercise in a running wheel was started in all rats, with a running-load of 2 hours/day for 5 days/week. Six months postoperatively, the knee joints were removed, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin. Histologic evaluation on hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections was performed to investigate the development of a SLIM and the presence of cement debris particles. To characterize the SLIM on a molecular level and investigate growth-regulating factors, the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Although the prostheses appeared mechanically stable after 6 months, the development of SLIM with areas of bone resorption was seen in all samples. Resembling human SLIM, these membranes consisted of loose fibrous tissue, with cement debris particles located particularly at sites originally attached to the prostheses. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed the expression of TGFbeta and Bcl-2 in all specimens. Interestingly, staining for TGFbeta and Bcl-2 was restricted to areas where the SLIM were attached to bone. In contrast, there was only negligible expression of both proteins at sites adjacent to the prostheses. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the ICSS Wistar rat model constitutes a feasible tool for studying early stages of APL, and specifically the effect of defined running exercise on SLIM formation. The results further suggest that both cellular proliferation, as stimulated by TGFbeta, and altered apoptosis contribute to early stages of SLIM formation. The expression patterns of TGFbeta and Bcl-2 indicate that the growth of the SLIM is initiated and promoted from the bone rather than from the prosthesis.

[Recurrent luxations after arthroscopic refixation of the labrum using suture anchors in traumatic ventral shoulder luxation]. / Reluxationen nach arthroskopischer Labrumrefixation mittels Fadenankern bei traumatischer ventraler Schulterluxation.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrence rates after arthroscopic labral reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability are still higher than after open procedures. Therefore, proper selection of patients becomes increasingly important. The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing recurrence rates after arthroscopic labral repair with suture anchors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined 53 patients (43 male, 10 female) with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations, who were treated with arthroscopic labral repair using Fastak-Suture anchors between 1995 and 1996. The average follow-up time was 18 (12-30) months. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 27 (15-44) years. RESULTS: Postoperatively, 11 patients (20.7%) reported on redislocations. Recurrence rates increased significantly in patients with more than 4 preoperative dislocations and in patients with bony Bankart lesions. In patients without redislocations, the mean Rowe score improved from 65.9 (SD +/- 12.3) preoperatively to 88.6 (SD +/- 12.5) at follow-up. Thus, there were 24 excellent, 9 good and 6 fair results, while in 3 patients with persisting signs of shoulder instability results had to be estimated as poor. Deficits in the range of motion of more than 15 degrees were seen in 7 patients with predominant affection of the external rotation. CONCLUSION: Frequent preoperative dislocations and bony Bankart lesions contribute substantially to high recurrence rates after arthroscopic labral repair. Therefore, in these cases open procedures should be preferred.

[Calcifications after operations of the subacromial space]. / Verkalkungen nach Operationen im Subakromialraum.

OBJECTIVE: Although there are several studies on the development of periarticular calcifications after different operation procedures of the joints, such calcifications have only seldomly been described in connection with operations in the subacromial space. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the incidence of periarticular calcifications after operations in the subacromial space and to assess their clinical relevance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study we examined 152 patients (51 female, 101 male) who had been operated on for primary shoulder impingement by open or arthroscopic procedures. The average follow-up time was 32.5 months. The assessment of the outcome of the treatment was performed using the criteria of the Constant score, different shoulder tests, a visual-analog scale for the evaluation of pain, and by evaluation of radiographs. RESULTS: Our study revealed good clinical results in the operative treatment of different stages of primary shoulder impingement and thus confirmed the results of similar studies before. However, in 25.6% of all patients we found periarticular calcifications. Hereby, calcifications occurred significantly more often after open procedures (56.8%) than after arthroscopic procedures (12.9%). There was non correlation between the occurrence of such calcifications and the stage of the disease. Moreover, comparison of the clinical results and the Constant scores at follow-up did not reveal any differences between patients with and without periarticular calcifications. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the presence of periarticular calcifications after operations in the subacromial space is not necessarily associated with clinical symptoms. Therefore, routine prophylactic measurements against such calcifications are not justified.

[3-dimensional image analysis of the shoulder joint--a new method for characterizing parameters of shoulder joint function]. / Dreidimensionale Bewegungsanalyse am Schultergelenk--Ein neues Verfahren zur Charakterisierung von Parametern der Schultergelenksfunktion.

OBJECTIVE: An exact assessment of shoulder movement is of special importance both in the diagnosis of and in the therapy for different shoulder diseases. Therefore, we developed a feasible method for the analysis of shoulder movement. METHODS: On the basis of an ELITE system and 6 skin markers (marker positions. acromion, humerus, olecranon, proc. styloideus ulnae, cervical and thoracic spine), movement analysis was performed during continuous abduction of the arm over 15 s. With the help of a purpose made software we determined the exact angle of abduction and, in addition, the acceleration (+aAC) and the deceleration (-aAC) of the acromion. We evaluated 12 normal subjects (10 male, 2 female, average age 29 yrs) without shoulder conditions and 8 patients (6 male, 2 female, average age 46 yrs.) with unilateral impingement syndrome stage II according to Neer. RESULTS: In addition to a significantly diminished abduction ability in patients with impingement syndrome, our results also revealed significantly decreased acceleration values for the acromion in impingement patients. In contrast, deceleration values for the acromion were not altered in patients with impingement syndrome. CONCLUSION: The presented method allows exact measurements of shoulder movement. In addition, measurements of acromion acceleration and deceleration seem to offer two parameters for the assessment of shoulder function in pathological conditions. Further investigations are required to prove the advantages and limitations of this method.