Aims. Reconstruction after osteoarticular
Aims. The crucial role of the radial head in the stability of the elbow in terrible triad injury is acknowledged. This retrospective study aims to compare the results of
Periprosthetic joint infection represents a devastating complication after total elbow arthroplasty. Several measures can be implemented before, during, and after surgery to decrease infection rates, which exceed 5%. Debridement with antibiotics and implant retention has been reported to be successful in less than one-third of acute infections, but still plays a role. For elbows with well-fixed implants, staged retention seems to be equally successful as the more commonly performed two-stage reimplantation, both with a success rate of 70% to 80%. Permanent
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment. Patients who underwent surgery for complex radial head fractures (Mason type III, ≥ three fragments) were divided into two groups (ORIF and RHA) and propensity score matching was used to individually match patients based on patient characteristics. Ultimately, 84 patients were included in this study. After a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2.0 to 9.5), patients were invited for clinical and radiological assessment. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score were evaluated.Aims
Methods
A review of the literature on elbow replacement found no consistency in the clinical outcome measures which are used to assess the effectiveness of interventions. The aim of this study was to define core outcome domains for elbow replacement. A real-time Delphi survey was conducted over four weeks using outcomes from a scoping review of 362 studies on elbow replacement published between January 1990 and February 2021. A total of 583 outcome descriptors were rationalized to 139 unique outcomes. The survey consisted of 139 outcomes divided into 18 domains. The readability and clarity of the survey was determined by an advisory group including a patient representative. Participants were able to view aggregated responses from other participants in real time and to revisit their responses as many times as they wished during the study period. Participants were able to propose additional items for inclusion. A Patient and Public Inclusion and Engagement (PPIE) panel considered the consensus findings.Aims
Methods
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become the most common type of shoulder arthroplasty used in the UK, and a better understanding of the outcomes after revision of a failed RSA is needed. The aim of this study was to review the current evidence systematically to determine patient-reported outcome measures and the rates of re-revision and complications for patients undergoing revision of a RSA. MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Studies involving adult patients who underwent revision of a primary RSA for any indication were included. Those who underwent a RSA for failure of a total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty were excluded. Pre- and postoperative shoulder scores were evaluated in a random effects meta-analysis to determine the mean difference. The rates of re-revision and complications were also calculated.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to evaluate the change in incidence rate of shoulder arthroplasty, indications, and surgeon volume trends associated with these procedures between January 2003 and April 2021 in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. A total of 1,545 patients between 2005 and 2021 were analyzed. Patients operated on between 2003 and 2004 were excluded due to a lack of electronic records. Overall, 84.1% of the surgeries (n = 1,299) were performed by two fellowship-trained upper limb surgeons, with the remainder performed by one of the 14 orthopaedic surgeons working in the province.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinematics of the elbow following increasing length of the radius with implantation of radial head arthroplasties (RHAs) using dynamic radiostereometry (dRSA). Eight human donor arms were examined by dRSA during motor-controlled flexion and extension of the elbow with the forearm in an unloaded neutral position, and in pronation and supination with and without a 10 N valgus or varus load, respectively. The elbows were examined before and after RHA with stem lengths of anatomical size, + 2 mm, and + 4 mm. The ligaments were maintained intact by using a step-cut lateral humeral epicondylar osteotomy, allowing the RHAs to be repeatedly exchanged. Bone models were obtained from CT scans, and specialized software was used to match these models with the dRSA recordings. The flexion kinematics of the elbow were described using anatomical coordinate systems to define translations and rotations with six degrees of freedom.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to analyze how proximal radial neck resorption (PRNR) starts and progresses radiologically in two types of press-fit radial head arthroplasties (RHAs), and to investigate its clinical relevance. A total of 97 patients with RHA were analyzed: 56 received a bipolar RHA (Group 1) while 41 received an anatomical implant (Group 2). Radiographs were performed postoperatively and after three, six, nine, and 12 weeks, six, nine, 12, 18, and 24 months, and annually thereafter. PRNR was measured in all radiographs in the four radial neck quadrants. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and the patient-assessed American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score - Elbow (pASES-E) were used for the clinical assessment. Radiological signs of implant loosening were investigated.Aims
Methods
There are concerns regarding complications and longevity of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in young patients, and the few previous publications are mainly limited to reports on linked elbow devices. We investigated the clinical outcome of unlinked TEA for patients aged less than 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 elbows of 21 patients with RA who were aged less than 50 years who underwent primary TEA with an unlinked elbow prosthesis. The mean patient age was 46 years (35 to 49), and the mean follow-up period was 13.6 years (6 to 27). Outcome measures included pain, range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), radiological evaluation for radiolucent line and loosening, complications, and revision surgery with or without implant removal.Aims
Methods
Corticosteroid injections are often used to manage glenohumeral arthritis in patients who may be candidates for future total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). In the conservative management of these patients, corticosteroid injections are often provided for symptomatic relief. The purpose of this study was to determine if the timing of corticosteroid injections prior to TSA or rTSA is associated with changes in rates of revision and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following these procedures. Data were collected from a national insurance database from January 2006 to December 2017. Patients who underwent shoulder corticosteroid injection within one year prior to ipsilateral TSA or rTSA were identified and stratified into the following cohorts: < three months, three to six months, six to nine months, and nine to 12 months from time of corticosteroid injection to TSA or rTSA. A control cohort with no corticosteroid injection within one year prior to TSA or rTSA was used for comparison. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association between specific time intervals and outcomes.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to report the incidence of implant-related complications, further operations, and their influence on the outcome in a series of patients who underwent primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The prospectively collected clinical and radiological data of 797 patients who underwent 854 primary RTSAs between January 2005 and August 2018 were analyzed. The hypothesis was that the presence of complications would adversely affect the outcome. Further procedures were defined as all necessary operations, including reoperations without change of components, and partial or total revisions. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the absolute and relative Constant Scores (aCS, rCS), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) scores, range of motion, and pain.Aims
Methods
Stemless humeral implants have been developed to overcome stem-related complications in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, stemless implant designs may hypothetically result in less stable initial fixation, potentially affecting long-term survival. The aim of this study is to investigate early fixation and migration patterns of the stemless humeral component of the Simpliciti Shoulder System and to evaluate clinical outcomes. In this prospective cohort study, radiostereometric analysis (RSA) radiographs were obtained in 24 patients at one day, six weeks, six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. Migration was calculated using model-based RSA. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to compare clinical results, long-term survival, and complication rates of stemless shoulder prosthesis with stemmed anatomical shoulder prostheses for treatment of osteoarthritis and to analyze radiological bone changes around the implants during follow-up. A total of 161 patients treated with either a stemmed or a stemless shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 118 months (102 to 158). The Constant score (CS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and active range of motion (ROM) were recorded. Radiological analysis for bone adaptations was performed by plain radiographs. A Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was calculated and complications were noted.Aims
Methods
We report our experience of staged revision surgery
for the treatment of infected total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Between
1998 and 2010 a consecutive series of 33 patients (34 TEAs) underwent
a first-stage procedure with the intention to proceed to second-stage
procedure when the infection had been controlled. A single first-stage procedure
with removal of the components and cement was undertaken for 29
TEAs (85%), followed by the insertion of antibiotic-impregnated
cement beads, and five (15%) required two or more first-stage procedures.
The most common organism isolated was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in
21 TEAs (62%). A second-stage procedure was performed for 26 TEAs (76%); seven
patients (seven TEAs, 21%) had a functional
To evaluate the outcomes of terrible triad injuries (TTIs) in mid-term follow-up and determine whether surgical treatment of the radial head influences clinical and radiological outcomes. Follow-up assessment of 88 patients with TTI (48 women, 40 men; mean age 57 years (18 to 82)) was performed after a mean of 4.5 years (2.0 to 9.4). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were evaluated. Radiographs of all patients were analyzed. Fracture types included 13 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 59 type III. Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) was performed if reconstruction was not possible.Aims
Methods
Existing literature indicates that inferiorly inclined glenoid baseplates following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) produce better outcomes compared to superiorly inclined baseplates. We aim to compare clinical outcomes for RSAs with superiorly and neutrally/inferiorly inclined lateralized glenospheres. We retrospectively reviewed 154 consecutive patients undergoing RSA between July 2015 and July 2017 by one single-fellowship trained surgeon (AJ). Two raters (KAM and MVS) independently measured glenoid inclination in preoperative and minimum two year follow-up radiographs (anteroposterior/Grashey) using the RSA angle. Inclination was then compared to patient-reported outcomes, range of motion (ROM), and independently assessed degree of scapular notching and staging of heterotopic ossification at two year follow-up.Aims
Methods
The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis. From January 2011 to January 2019, a total of 141 Affinis Short prostheses were implanted in 127 patients by a single surgeon. Mean age at time of surgery was 68 (44 to 89). Minimum one year and maximum eight year follow-up (mean 3.7 years) was analyzed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the endpoint. Most recently performed radiographs were reviewed for component radiolucent lines (RLLs) and proximal humeral migration.Aims
Methods
Post-traumatic elbow stiffness is a disabling condition that remains challenging for upper limb surgeons. Open elbow arthrolysis is commonly used for the treatment of stiff elbow when conservative therapy has failed. Multiple questions commonly arise from surgeons who deal with this disease. These include whether the patient has post-traumatic stiff elbow, how to evaluate the problem, when surgery is appropriate, how to perform an excellent arthrolysis, what the optimal postoperative rehabilitation is, and how to prevent or reduce the incidence of complications. Following these questions, this review provides an update and overview of post-traumatic elbow stiffness with respect to the diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, arthrolysis strategies, postoperative rehabilitation, and prevention of complications, aiming to provide a complete diagnosis and treatment path. Cite this article:
Treatment of an infected total elbow replacement
(TER) is often successful in eradicating or suppressing the infection.
However, the extensor mechanism may be compromised by both the infection
and the surgery. The goal of this study was to assess triceps function
in patients treated for deep infection complicating a TER. Between
1976 and 2007 a total of 217 TERs in 207 patients were treated for
infection of a TER at our institution. Superficial infections and
those that underwent
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a potentially devastating complication of the surgical treatment of a proximal humeral fracture. The literature on the rate and risk factors for the development of HO under these circumstances is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for the development of HO in these patients. A retrospective analysis of 170 patients who underwent operative treatment for a proximal humeral fracture between 2005 and 2016, in a single institution, was undertaken. The mean follow-up was 18.2 months (1.5 to 140). The presence of HO was identified on follow-up radiographs.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Monteggia-like lesions at midterm follow-up and to determine whether the surgical treatment of the radial head influences the clinical and radiological results. A total of 78 patients with a Monteggia-like lesion, including 44 women and 34 men with a mean age of 54.7 years (19 to 80), were available for assessment after a mean 4.6 years (2 to 9.2). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Radiographs were analyzed for all patients. A total of 12 Mason type I, 16 type II, and 36 type III fractures were included. Surgical treatment consisted of screw fixation for all type II and reconstructable type III fractures, while radial head arthroplasty (RHA) or excision was performed if reconstruction was not possible.Aims
Patients and Methods
To compare complication-related reoperation rates following primary arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) We identified patients aged 50 years and over, who sustained a PHF between 2004 and 2015, from linkable datasets. We used intervention codes to identify patients treated with initial ORIF or arthroplasty, and those treated with ORIF who returned for revision arthroplasty within two years. We used multilevel logistic regression to compare reoperations between groups.Aims
Patients and Methods
A number of methods have been described to remove a well-fixed humeral implant as part of revision shoulder arthroplasty. These include the use of cortical windows and humeral osteotomies. The router bit extraction technique uses a high-speed router bit to disrupt the bone-implant interface. The implant is then struck in a retrograde fashion with a square-tip impactor and mallet. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and frequency of the different techniques needed for the removal of a well-fixed humeral stem in revision shoulder arthroplasty. Between 2010 and 2018, 288 revision shoulder arthroplasty procedures requiring removal of a well-fixed humeral component were carried out at a tertiary referral centre by a single surgeon. The patient demographics, indications for surgery, and method of extraction were collected.Aims
Patients and Methods
The long head of the biceps (LHB) is often resected in shoulder surgery and could therefore serve as a cell source for tissue engineering approaches in the shoulder. However, whether it represents a suitable cell source for regenerative approaches, both in the inflamed and non-inflamed states, remains unclear. In the present study, inflamed and native human LHBs were comparatively characterized for features of regeneration. In total, 22 resected LHB tendons were classified into inflamed samples (n = 11) and non-inflamed samples (n = 11). Proliferation potential and specific marker gene expression of primary LHB-derived cell cultures were analyzed. Multipotentiality, including osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and tenogenic differentiation potential of both groups were compared under respective lineage-specific culture conditions.Objectives
Methods
The aim of this study was to report the mid-term clinical outcome
of cemented unlinked J-alumina ceramic elbow (JACE) arthroplasties
when used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We retrospectively reviewed 87 elbows, in 75 patients with RA,
which was replaced using a cemented JACE total elbow arthroplasty
(TEA) between August 2003 and December 2012, with a follow-up of
96%. There were 72 women and three men, with a mean age of 62 years
(35 to 79). The mean follow-up was nine years (2 to 14). The clinical condition
of each elbow before and after surgery was assessed using the Mayo
Elbow Performance Index (MEPI, 0 to 100 points). Radiographic loosening
was defined as a progressive radiolucent line of >1 mm that was
completely circumferential around the prosthesis.Aims
Patients and Methods
Patients with a failed reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have limited salvage options. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of revision RSA when used as a salvage procedure for a failed primary RSA. We reviewed all revision RSAs performed for a failed primary RSA between 2006 and 2012, excluding patients with a follow-up of less than two years. A total of 27 revision RSAs were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of revision was 70 years (58 to 82). Of the 27 patients, 14 (52% were female). The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (2 to 10).Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to evaluate
mid-term results of the operative treatment of Monteggia-like lesions
and to determine the prognostic factors that influence the clinical
and radiological outcome. A total of 46 patients (27 women and 19 men), with a mean age
of 57.7 years (18 to 84) who had sustained a Monteggia-like lesion
were followed up clinically and radiologically after surgical treatment.
The Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score
(MEPS), Broberg and Morrey Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder
and Hand (DASH) score were used for evaluation at a mean of 65 months
(27 to 111) postoperatively. All ulnar fractures were stabilized
using a proximally contoured or precontoured locking compression
plate. Mason type I fractures of the radial head were treated conservatively, type
II fractures were treated with reconstruction, and type III fractures
with arthroplasty. All Morrey type II and III fractures of the coronoid
process was stabilized using lag screws.Aims
Patients and Methods
We describe the use of a protocol of irrigation and debridement
(I&
D) with retention of the implant for the treatment of periprosthetic
infection of a total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). This may be an attractive
alternative to staged re-implantation. Between 1990 and 2010, 23 consecutive patients were treated in
this way. Three were lost to follow-up leaving 20 patients (21 TEAs)
in the study. There were six men and 14 women. Their mean age was
58 years (23 to 76). The protocol involved: component unlinking,
irrigation and debridement (I&
D), and the introduction of antibiotic
laden cement beads; organism-specific intravenous antibiotics; repeat
I&
D and re-linkage of the implant if appropriate; long-term
oral antibiotic therapy. Aims
Patients and Methods
In the initial development of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA),
the humeral component was usually fixed with cement. Cementless
components were subsequently introduced. The aim of this study was
to compare the long-term outcome of cemented and cementless humeral
components in arthroplasty of the shoulder. All patients who underwent primary arthroplasty of the shoulder
at our institution between 1970 and 2012 were included in the study.
There were 4636 patients with 1167 cemented humeral components and
3469 cementless components. Patients with the two types of fixation
were matched for nine different covariates using a propensity score
analysis. A total of 551 well-balanced pairs of patients with cemented
and cementless components were available after matching for comparison
of the outcomes. The clinical outcomes which were analysed included loosening
of the humeral component determined at revision surgery, periprosthetic
fractures, post-operative infection and operating time.Aims
Patients and Methods
Patient-specific glenoid guides (PSGs) claim an improvement in
accuracy and reproducibility of the positioning of components in
total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The results have not yet been
confirmed in a prospective clinical trial. Our aim was to assess
whether the use of PSGs in patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder
would allow accurate and reliable implantation of the glenoid component. A total of 17 patients (three men and 14 women) with a mean age
of 71 years (53 to 81) awaiting TSA were enrolled in the study.
Pre- and post-operative version and inclination of the glenoid were
measured on CT scans, using 3D planning automatic software. During
surgery, a congruent 3D-printed PSG was applied onto the glenoid
surface, thus determining the entry point and orientation of the
central guide wire used for reaming the glenoid and the introduction
of the component. Manual segmentation was performed on post-operative
CT scans to compare the planned and the actual position of the entry
point (mm) and orientation of the component (°).Aims
Patients and Methods
To compare radiographic failure and re-operation rates of anatomical
coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstructional techniques with
non-anatomical techniques after chronic high grade acromioclavicular
(AC) joint injuries. We reviewed chronic AC joint reconstructions within a region-wide
healthcare system to identify surgical technique, complications,
radiographic failure and re-operations. Procedures fell into four
categories: Aims
Patients and Methods
Determining and accurately restoring the flexion-extension
axis of the elbow is essential for functional recovery after total
elbow arthroplasty (TEA). We evaluated the effect of morphological
features of the elbow on variations of alignment of the components
at TEA. Morphological and positioning variables were compared by
systematic CT scans of 22 elbows in 21 patients after TEA. There were five men and 16 women, and the mean age was 63 years
(38 to 80). The mean follow-up was 22 months (11 to 44). The anterior offset and version of the humeral components were
significantly affected by the anterior angulation of the humerus
(p = 0.052 and p = 0.004, respectively). The anterior offset and
version of the ulnar components were strongly significantly affected
by the anterior angulation of the ulna (p <
0.001 and p <
0.001). The closer the anterior angulation of the ulna was to the joint,
the lower the ulnar anterior offset (p = 0.030) and version of the
ulnar component (p = 0.010). The distance from the joint to the
varus angulation also affected the lateral offset of the ulnar component
(p = 0.046). Anatomical variations at the distal humerus and proximal ulna
affect the alignment of the components at TEA. This is explained
by abutment of the stems of the components and is particularly severe
when there are substantial deformities or the deformities are close
to the joint. Cite this article:
This pilot study reports the clinical outcomes
of a combination of partial subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head
hemiarthroplasty in patients with rotatator cuff arthropathy. A
total of 30 patients (30 shoulders; eight men and 22 women) with
a mean age of 74 years (55 to 84) were assessed at a mean follow-up
of 31 months (24 to 60). The inclusion criteria were painful cuff
tear arthropathy with normal deltoid function and a non-degenerative subscapularis
muscle and tendon and a preserved teres minor. Outcome was assessed using the University of California Los Angeles
score, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and the Oxford
Shoulder Score. Radiographic measurements included the centre of
rotation distance and the length of the deltoid. All clinical scores were significantly improved post-operatively.
The active flexion and external rotation improved significantly
at the most recent follow-up (p <
0.035). Although the mean centre
of rotation distance changed significantly (p <
0.001), the mean
length of the deltoid did not change significantly from the pre-operative
value (p = 0.29). The change in the length of the deltoid with <
100° flexion was significantly less than that with >
100° (p <
0.001). Progressive erosion of the glenoid was seen in four patients.
No patient required revision or further surgery. A combination of partial subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head
hemiarthroplasty effectively restored function and relieved pain
in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy. Cite this article: 2015;97-B:1090–5.
We examined the outcomes and levels of patient
satisfaction in 202 consecutive cases of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular
brachial plexus block (SBPB) in upper limb surgery performed between
September 2007 and March 2010. All blocks were performed by orthopaedic surgeons using ultrasound
visualisation with a high-frequency linear probe. The probe was
placed in the coronal–oblique plane in the supraclavicular fossa,
and the puncture was ‘in-plane’ from lateral to medial. Most of
the blocks were performed with 0.75% ropivacaine/1% lidocaine (1:1),
with or without adrenaline in 1:200 000 dilution. In 201 patients
(99.5%) the brachial plexus block permitted surgery without conversion
to general anaesthesia. The mean procedure time for block was 3.9
min (2 to 12), the mean waiting time for surgery was 34.1 min (10
to 64), the mean surgical time was 75.2 min (6 to 232), and the
mean duration of post-anaesthetic analgesia was 437 min (171 to
992). A total of 20 patients (10%) developed a transient Horner’s syndrome.
No nerve injury, pneumothorax, arterial puncture or systemic anaesthetic
toxicity were recorded. Most patients (96.7%) were satisfied with
ultrasound-guided SBPB. This study demonstrates the efficacy and
safety of ultrasound-guided SBPB for orthopaedic surgery on the
upper limb. Cite this article:
The indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty
(RSA) continue to be expanded. Associated impairment of the deltoid
muscle has been considered a contraindication to its use, as function
of the RSA depends on the deltoid and impairment of the deltoid
may increase the risk of dislocation. The aim of this retrospective
study was to determine the functional outcome and risk of dislocation
following the use of an RSA in patients with impaired deltoid function.
Between 1999 and 2010, 49 patients (49 shoulders) with impairment
of the deltoid underwent RSA and were reviewed at a mean of 38 months
(12 to 142) post-operatively. There were nine post-operative complications (18%),
including two dislocations. The mean forward elevation improved
from 50° ( These results suggest that pre-operative deltoid impairment,
in certain circumstances, is not an absolute contraindication to
RSA. This form of treatment can yield reliable improvement in function
without excessive risk of post-operative dislocation. Cite this article:
We have compared three different methods of treating
symptomatic non-traumatic tears of the supraspinatus tendon in patients
above 55 years of age. A total of 180 shoulders (173 patients) with
supraspinatus tendon tears were randomly allocated into one of three
groups (each of 60 shoulders); physiotherapy (group 1), acromioplasty and
physiotherapy (group 2) and rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty and
physiotherapy (group 3). The Constant score was assessed and followed
up by an independent observer pre-operatively and at three, six
and twelve months after the intervention. Of these, 167 shoulders were available for assessment at one
year (follow-up rate of 92.8%). There were 55 shoulders in group
1 (24 in males and 31 in females, mean age 65 years (55 to 79)),
57 in group 2 (29 male and 28 female, mean age 65 years (55 to 79))
and 55 shoulders in group 3 (26 male and 29 female, mean age 65
years (55 to 81)). There were no between-group differences in the
Constant score at final follow-up: 74.1 ( Cite this article:
We report our experience with glenohumeral arthrodesis
as a salvage procedure for epilepsy-related recurrent shoulder instability.
A total of six patients with epilepsy underwent shoulder fusion
for recurrent instability and were followed up for a mean of 39 months
(12 to 79). The mean age at the time of surgery was 31 years (22
to 38). Arthrodesis was performed after a mean of four previous
stabilisation attempts (0 to 11) in all but one patient in whom
the procedure was used as a primary treatment. All patients achieved
bony union, with a mean time to fusion of 2.8 months (2 to 7). There
were no cases of re-dislocation. One revision was undertaken for
loosening of the metalwork, and then healed satisfactorily. An increase
was noted in the mean subjective shoulder value, which improved
from 37 (5 to 50) pre-operatively to 42 (20 to 70) post-operatively
although it decreased in two patients. The mean Oxford shoulder
instability score improved from 13 pre-operatively (7 to 21) to
24 post-operatively (13 to 36). In our series, glenohumeral arthrodesis
eliminated recurrent instability and improved functional outcome. Fusion
surgery should therefore be considered in this patient population.
However, since the majority of patients are young and active, they
should be comprehensively counselled pre-operatively given the functional
deficit that results from the procedure. Cite this article:
We retrospectively reviewed 89 consecutive patients
(45 men and 44 women) with a mean age at the time of injury of 58
years (18 to 97) who had undergone external fixation after sustaining
a unilateral fracture of the distal humerus. Our objectives were
to determine the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO); identify
risk factors associated with the development of HO; and characterise
the location, severity and resultant functional impairment attributable
to the presence of HO. HO was identified in 37 elbows (42%), mostly around the humerus
and along the course of the medial collateral ligament. HO was hazy
immature in five elbows (13.5%), mature discrete in 20 (54%), extensive
mature in 10 (27%), and complete bone bridges were present in two
elbows (5.5%). Mild functional impairment occurred in eight patients,
moderate in 27 and severe in two. HO was associated with less extension
(p = 0.032) and less overall flexion-to-extension movement (p =
0.022); the flexion-to-extension arc was <
100º in 21 elbows
(57%) with HO compared with 18 elbows (35%) without HO (p = 0.03).
HO was removed surgically in seven elbows. The development of HO was significantly associated with sustaining
a head injury (p = 0.015), delayed internal fixation (p = 0.027),
the method of fracture fixation (p = 0.039) and the use of bone
graft or substitute (p = 0.02).HO continues to be a substantial
complication after internal fixation for distal humerus fractures. Cite this article:
Medium-term results of the Discovery elbow replacement
are presented. We reviewed 51 consecutive primary Discovery total
elbow replacements (TERs) implanted in 48 patients. The mean age
of the patients was 69.2 years (49 to 92), there were 19 males and
32 females (37%:63%) The mean follow-up was 40.6 months (24 to 69).
A total of six patients were lost to follow-up. Statistically significant
improvements in range movement and Oxford Elbow Score were found
(p <
0.001). Radiolucent lines were much more common in, and
aseptic loosening was exclusive to, the humeral component. Kaplan–Meier
survivorship at five years was 92.2% (95% CI 74.5% to 96.4%) for
aseptic loosening. In four TERs, periprosthetic infection occurred
resulting in failure. A statistically significant association between
infection and increased BMI was found (p = 0.0268). Triceps failure
was more frequent after the Mayo surgical approach and TER performed
after previous trauma surgery. No failures of the implant were noted. Our comparison shows that the Discovery has early clinical results
that are similar to other semi-constrained TERs. We found continued
radiological surveillance with particular focus on humeral lucency
is warranted and has not previously been reported. Despite advances
in the design of total elbow replacement prostheses, rates of complication
remain high. Cite this article:
In this study, we evaluated patient-reported
outcomes, the rate of revision and the indications for revision
following resurfacing hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder in patients
with osteoarthritis. All patients with osteoarthritis who underwent primary resurfacing
hemiarthroplasty and reported to the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty
Registry (DSR), between January 2006 and December 2010 were included.
There were 772 patients (837 arthroplasties) in the study. The Western
Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index was used to
evaluate patient-reported outcome 12 months (10 to 14) post-operatively.
The rates of revision were calculated from the revisions reported
to the DSR up to December 2011 and by checking deaths with the Danish National
Register of Persons. A complete questionnaire was returned by 688 patients (82.2%).
The mean WOOS was 67 (0 to 100). A total of 63 hemiarthroplasties
(7.5%) required revision; the cumulative five-year rate of revision
was 9.9%. Patients aged <
55 years had a statistically significant
inferior WOOS score, which exceeded the minimal clinically important
difference, compared with older patients (mean difference 14.2 (8.8;
95% CI 19.6; p <
0.001), but with no increased risk of revision.
There was no significant difference in the mean WOOS or the risk
of revision between designs of resurfacing hemiarthroplasty. Cite this article:
Lateral epicondylitis, or ’tennis elbow’, is
a common condition that usually affects patients between 35 and
55 years of age. It is generally self-limiting, but in some patients
it may continue to cause persistent symptoms, which can be refractory
to treatment. This review discusses the mechanism of disease, symptoms
and signs, investigations, current management protocols and potential
new treatments. Cite this article:
