Markus Loew

Total shoulder replacement in young and middle-aged patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Our aim in this prospective study was to evaluate the outcome of total shoulder replacement in the treatment of young and middle-aged active patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. We reviewed 21 patients (21 shoulders) with a mean age of 55 years (37 to 60). The mean follow-up was seven years (5 to 9). The same anatomical, third-generation, cemented implant had been used in all patients. All the patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically using the Constant and Murley score. No patients required revision. In one a tear of the supraspinatus tendon occurred. Overall, 20 patients (95%) were either very satisfied (n = 18) or satisfied (n = 2) with the outcome. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found for all categories of the Constant and Murley score pre- and post-operatively. The mean Constant and Murley score increased from 24.1 points (10 to 45) to 64.5 points (39 to 93), and the relative score from 30.4% (11% to 50%) to 83% (54% to 116%). No clinical or radiological signs of loosening of the implant were seen. For young and middle-aged patients with osteoarthritis, third-generation total shoulder replacement is a viable method of treatment with a low rate of complications and excellent results in the mid-term.

A multicentre study of the long-term results of using a flat-back polyethylene glenoid component in shoulder replacement for primary osteoarthritis

We report the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of the Aequalis total shoulder replacement with a cemented all-polyethylene flat-back keeled glenoid component implanted for primary osteoarthritis between 1991 and 2003 in nine European centres. A total of 226 shoulders in 210 patients were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of 122.7 months (61 to 219) or at revision. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant score, patient satisfaction score and range of movement. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with glenoid revision for loosening and radiological glenoid loosening (SD) as endpoints. The Constant score was found to improve from a mean of 26.8 (SD 10.3) pre-operatively to 57.6 (SD 20.0) post-operatively (p < 0.001). Active forward flexion improved from a mean of 85.3° (SD 27.4) pre-operatively to 125° (SD 37.3) postoperatively (p < 0.001). External rotation improved from a mean of 7° (SD 6.5) pre-operatively to 30.3° (SD 21.8°) post-operatively (p < 0.001). Survivorship with revision of the glenoid component as the endpoint was 99.1% at five years, 94.5% at ten years and 79.4% at 15 years. Survivorship with radiological loosening as the endpoint was 99.1% at five years, 80.3% at ten years and 33.6% at 15 years. Younger patient age and the curettage technique for glenoid preparation correlated with loosening. The rate of glenoid revision and radiological loosening increased with duration of follow-up, but not until a follow-up of five years. Therefore, we recommend that future studies reporting radiological outcomes of new glenoid designs should report follow-up of at least five to ten years.

Results of cemented total shoulder replacement with a minimum follow-up of ten years.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes of patients treated with a third-generation cemented total shoulder replacement and followed for at least ten years. METHODS The results of thirty-nine arthroplasties were analyzed clinically with use of the Constant score and on radiographs in two projections, with special regard to glenoid component loosening, at a mean of eleven years (range, ten to fifteen years) postoperatively. RESULTS The mean Constant score was 27 points (range, 11 to 54 points) preoperatively and 61 points (range, 21 to 86 points) postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Mean shoulder flexion increased from 84° (range, 40° to 150°) preoperatively to 133° (range, 40° to 180°) postoperatively; mean abduction, from 77° (range, 40° to 110°) to 123° (range, 40° to 180°); and mean external rotation, from 11° (range, -20° to 40°) to 35° (range, 0° to 60°). No humeral components but 36% of the glenoid components were radiographically loose at the time of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship of the glenoid component was 100% after thirteen years with revision as the end point, whereas survivorship with radiographic loosening as the end point was only 48% after thirteen years. We found no correlation between glenoid loosening on radiographs and clinical findings such as the Constant score. Cranial migration of the humerus was seen in 69% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS With the implants, cementation, and surgical technique utilized in this group of patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis, radiographic loosening of the glenoid component and rotator cuff deficiency were very common at the ten to fifteen-year review. The follow-up was not long enough to fully identify the clinical sequelae of these findings.

Radiographic Changes Around Humeral Components in Shoulder Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Our purposes were to analyze radiographic changes around humeral components and to determine the influence of these changes on the clinical outcome of shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS Three hundred and ninety-five shoulders with primary osteoarthritis were treated with a shoulder replacement and were analyzed clinically and radiographically with a standardized protocol. Radiographs were evaluated for osteolysis and stress-shielding of the proximal part of the humerus and loosening of the humeral and glenoid components. The arthroplasty configurations included (1) hemiarthroplasty with cement (thirty shoulders), (2) hemiarthroplasty without cement (thirty-six), (3) total shoulder replacement with a cemented stem and a cemented flat-backed glenoid component (eighty-nine), (4) total shoulder replacement with a cemented stem and a cemented convex-backed glenoid component (ninety-four), (5) total shoulder replacement with a cemented stem and an uncemented metal-backed glenoid component (seventy-nine), and (6) total shoulder replacement with an uncemented stem and a cemented convex-backed glenoid component (sixty-seven). The mean duration of follow-up was 8.2 years (range, four to eighteen years). RESULTS The Constant score and shoulder motion were significantly greater at the latest follow-up examination than preoperatively (p < 0.001). One cemented stem loosened after a periprosthetic fracture, and another was judged to be at risk for loosening. Stress-shielding was noted only around uncemented stems in 63% of the shoulders with such stems. Osteolysis of the proximal part of the humerus occurred only with total shoulder arthroplasty in 43% of the shoulders. Patients with osteolysis had a poorer clinical outcome (p < 0.001). Shoulders with osteolysis around the proximal part of the humerus had more glenoid loosening and polyethylene wear (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Glenoid issues have a substantial effect on humeral bone in shoulder arthroplasty. Polyethylene wear appears to be associated with the development of osteolysis of the proximal part of the humerus after total shoulder arthroplasty. With our implants, stress-shielding was only observed with uncemented humeral stems. The uncemented and cemented stem designs analyzed in this study appeared comparable and can be recommended for clinical use.

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.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Nonunions of the Surgical Neck of the Proximal Part of the Humerus (Type-3 Fracture Sequelae)

BACKGROUND Fracture sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus are challenging conditions, and various treatment options have been described. The purpose of this multicenter study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes as well as the complications following semiconstrained reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of nonunion of a surgical neck fracture of the proximal part of the humerus. METHODS Thirty-two patients with a mean age of sixty-eight years (range, forty-eight to eighty-three years) managed with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of nonunion of a proximal humeral fracture were analyzed clinically and radiographically. The mean duration of follow-up was four years (range, two to twelve years). The Constant score, active shoulder mobility, all complications, and revision procedures were recorded. RESULTS The mean Constant score increased from 14.2 points (range, 2 to 35 points) to 46.6 points (range, 6 to 75 points) (p < 0.001). The mean shoulder flexion increased from 42.9° (range, 0° to 160°) to 109.7° (range, 0° to 170°) (p < 0.001), and the mean external rotation increased from 0.5° (range, -40° to 60°) to 13.1° (range, -30° to 60°) (p < 0.005). No component loosening occurred, but 50% (sixteen) of the patients had radiographic evidence of scapular notching. There were thirteen complications (41%) leading to nine revision surgical procedures (28%). The most common complication was a dislocation following reverse shoulder arthroplasty, which occurred in 34% (eleven) of the patients. An intraoperative resection of the humeral head fragment and the tuberosities was associated with increased risk of dislocation (p < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Nonunions of the proximal part of the humerus can be treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Although clinical outcomes improved significantly, we found an unacceptably high rate of dislocations associated with intraoperative resection of the tuberosities. The tuberosities and the attached rotator cuff should be preserved if possible to reduce the risk of dislocation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Humeral surface replacement for the sequelae of fractures of the proximal humerus

Fractures of the proximal humerus can lead to malalignment of the humeral head, necrosis and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In such cases surface replacement might be a promising option. A total of 28 shoulders with glenohumeral arthritis subsequent to a fracture underwent surface replacement arthroplasty of the humeral head in patients with a mean age of 60 years (35 to 83). On the basis of the inclination of the impacted head, post-traumatic arthritis was divided into three types: type 1, an impacted fracture of the head in an anatomical position (seven cases); type 2, a valgus impacted fracture (13 cases); type 3, a varus impacted fracture (eight cases). The outcome was measured by means of the Constant score. According to the Boileau classification of the sequelae of fractures of the proximal humerus, all 28 patients had a final result of intra-capsular category 1. The mean Constant score for the 28 shoulders increased from 23.2 points (2 to 45) pre-operatively to 55.1 points (20 to 89) at a mean of 31 months (24 to 66) post-operatively. Valgus impacted fractures had significantly better results (p < 0.039). Surface replacement arthroplasty can provide good results for patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Their use avoids post-operative complications of the humeral shaft, such as peri-prosthetic fractures. Further surgery can be undertaken more easily as the bone stock is preserved.

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.

Reverse arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and rotator cuff deficiency after previous surgery for recurrent anterior shoulder instability

PurposeOsteoarthritis in combination with rotator cuff deficiency following previous shoulder stabilisation surgery and after failed surgical treatment for chronic anterior shoulder dislocation is a challenging condition. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in such patients.MethodsThirteen patients with a median follow-up of 3.5 (range two to eight) years and a median age of 70 (range 48–82) years were included. In all shoulders a tear of at least one rotator cuff tendon in combination with osteoarthritis was present at the time of arthroplasty. The Constant score, shoulder flexion and external and internal rotation with the elbow at the side were documented pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. Pre-operative, immediate post-operative and final follow-up radiographs were analysed. All complications and revisions were documented.ResultsTwelve patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure. The median Constant score increased from 26 points pre-operatively to 67 points at the final follow-up (p = 0.001). The median shoulder flexion increased significantly from 70° to 130° and internal rotation from two to four points (p = 0.002). External rotation did not change significantly (p = 0.55). Glenoid notching was present in five cases and was graded as mild in three cases and moderate in two. One complication occurred leading to revision surgery.ConclusionsReverse arthroplasty leads to high satisfaction rates for patients with osteoarthritis and rotator cuff deficiency who had undergone previous shoulder stabilisation procedures. The improvements in clinical outcome as well as the radiographic results seem to be comparable with those of other studies reporting on the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for other conditions.

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/<T7), where the estimated risk was about 2.3 times higher in patients with a high neurological level of lesion (T2-7) than in those with a low neurological level of lesion (<T7) (95% confidence interval, 1.82-3.04; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Overhead-sports activities have been identified as an additional risk factor, along with age and duration of wheelchair dependence, for developing rotator cuff disease in patients with paraplegia. A high frequency of sports activity shows physiological benefits as well as improves the psychological status and quality of life in patients with SCI. The dilemma is how to increase physical activity to gain physiological and psychological health benefits without further increasing overuse of the upper extremities, particularly the shoulder, in patients with paraplegia. The data from this study may be helpful in elucidating the etiology of rotator cuff tear in athletes with paraplegia and in counseling patients with SCI regarding shoulder and upper extremity activity level and provide support for developing preventive strategies.