Patric Raiss

Long-term results of the Latarjet procedure for anterior instability of the shoulder

BACKGROUND The Latarjet procedure is effective in managing anterior glenohumeral instability in the short term, but there is concern for postoperative arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional outcome after the Latarjet procedure and to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for glenohumeral arthritis after this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of 68 Latarjet procedures at a mean of 20 years postoperatively. The mean age at surgery was 29.4 years. Functional outcome was determined by the Rowe score, subjective shoulder value, and recurrence of instability. Preoperative arthritis and postoperative radiographs were reviewed to evaluate the development or progression of arthritis. RESULTS The mean Rowe score increased from 37.9 preoperatively to 89.6 at final follow-up (P < .001). The mean subjective shoulder value was 90.9% at final follow-up. The postoperative rate of recurrence was 5.9%. Of the 60 shoulders without arthritis preoperatively, 12 (20%) had developed arthritis at final follow-up. Among the 8 shoulders with preoperative arthritis (all stage 1), 4 (50%) demonstrated progression of arthritis at final follow-up. Overall, postoperative arthritis was stage 1 in 14.7%, stage 2 in 5.9%, and stage 3 in 8.8% of cases; no stage 4 arthritis was observed. Risk factors for postoperative arthritis were older age, high-demand sports activity, and lateral overhang of coracoid bone graft. CONCLUSION The Latarjet procedure provides excellent long-term outcomes in the treatment of recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability. Twenty years after the Latarjet procedure, arthritis may develop or progress in 23.5% of cases, but the majority of arthritis is mild.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Primary Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis in Patients with a Biconcave Glenoid

BACKGROUND The biconcave glenoid in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis represents a surgical challenge because of the associated static posterior instability of the humeral head and secondary posterior glenoid erosion. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis in patients with a biconcave glenoid without rotator cuff insufficiency. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of twenty-seven reverse shoulder arthroplasties that were performed from 1998 to 2009 for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis and biconcave glenoid. Eighty-one percent of the patients were female, and the mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 74.1 years (range, sixty-six to eighty-two years). All patients had a preoperative computed tomography arthrogram to allow for the measurement of glenoid retroversion and humeral head subluxation. The mean preoperative retroversion was 32°, and the mean subluxation of the humeral head with respect to the scapular axis was 87%. Seventeen patients had a reverse shoulder arthroplasty without bone graft, whereas ten had an associated bone graft to compensate for posterior glenoid erosion. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Constant score and shoulder range of motion. RESULTS The mean duration of follow-up was fifty-four months (range, twenty-four to 139 months). The mean Constant score increased from 31 points preoperatively to 76 points at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). Active forward flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation also significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Complications occurred in four patients (15%) and included early loosening of the glenoid component (one patient) and neurologic complications (three patients). No radiolucent lines were observed around the central peg or screws of the glenoid component. Grade-1 or 2 scapular notching was present in ten shoulders (37%). No recurrence of posterior instability was observed. CONCLUSIONS Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis in patients with a biconcave glenoid without rotator cuff insufficiency can result in excellent clinical outcomes. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a viable surgical option to solve both the problem of severe static posterior glenohumeral instability and severe glenoid erosion.

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.

Mid-term survivorship analysis of a shoulder replacement with a keeled glenoid and a modern cementing technique

We have investigated the mid-term outcome of total shoulder replacement using a keeled cemented glenoid component and a modern cementing technique with regard to the causes of failure and loosening of the components. Between 1997 and 2003 we performed 96 total shoulder replacements on 88 patients, 24 men and 64 women with a mean age of 69.7 years (31 to 82). The minimum follow-up was five years and at the time of review 87 shoulders (77 patients) were examined at a mean follow-up of 89.1 months (60 to 127). Cumulative survival curves were generated with re-operations (accomplished and planned), survivorship of the proshesis, loosening of the glenoid (defined as tilt > 5 degrees or subsidence > 5 mm), the presence of radiolucent lines and a Constant score of < 30 as the endpoints. There were two re-operations not involving revision of the implants and the survival rate of the prosthesis was 100.0% for the follow-up period, with an absolute Constant score of > 30 as the endpoint the survival rate was 98%. Radiological glenoid loosening was 9% after five years, and 33% after nine years. There was an incidence of 8% of radiolucent lines in more than three of six zones in the immediate post-operative period, of 37.0% after the first year which increased to 87.0% after nine years. There was no correlation between the score of Boileau and the total Constant score at the latest follow-up, but there was correlation between glenoid loosening and pain (p = 0.001). We found that total shoulder replacement had an excellent mid-term survivorship and clinical outcome. The surgical and cementing techniques were related to the decrease in radiolucent lines around the glenoid compared with earlier studies. One concern, however, was the fact that radiolucent lines increased over time and there was a rate of glenoid loosening of 9% after five years and 33% after nine years. This suggests that the design of the glenoid component, and the implantation and cementing techniques may need further improvement.

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.

A new kinematic model of the upper extremity based on functional joint parameter determination for shoulder and elbow

A new upper extremity model is introduced for clinical application. It combines the advantages of functional methods to determine the joint parameters for the shoulder joint centre and the elbow axis location with the ease of a minimal skin mounted marker set. Soft tissue artefacts at the shoulder and upper arm are reduced via a coordinate transfer between dynamic calibration and the actual motion analyzed. A unique technical frame linked to markers on the forearm is defined for the humerus. The protocol has been applied to 50 subjects over a wide age range (5-85 years) and with varying physical status, proving clinical feasibility. Variability in joint centre localization in repeated measures was typically below 1 cm. Based on these estimated joint centre locations for shoulder and elbow, three shoulder joint angles together with elbow flexion and forearm pro-/supination were determined in a large set of static arm postures in 5 subjects. These were compared to synchronous universal goniometer measurements to analyse intra-tester, inter-tester, and inter-subject repeatability. Differences between the computed angles and the angles obtained directly with the goniometer remained below +/-5 degrees for joint angles up to 120 degrees and +/-10 degrees above 120 degrees.

Longitudinal observational study of total shoulder replacements with cement: fifteen to twenty-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND There is little information about the long-term longitudinal outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty. Moreover, long-term data on a single shoulder replacement system are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze, at different time points during a follow-up period of fifteen to twenty years, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients treated with a third-generation total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS Sixty-three total shoulder arthroplasties were performed in fifty-eight patients. Two patients were lost to follow-up, and sixteen patients died during the follow-up period, leaving a cohort of forty-five total shoulder arthroplasties in forty patients with a mean age of sixty-four years. Follow-up examinations were carried out at six months, one year, two years, three to four years, five to eight years, nine to fourteen years, and fifteen years or more. Preoperatively and at each follow-up visit, the Constant score as well as shoulder flexion and external rotation were assessed. Radiographs were analyzed for loosening and migration of the components at all time points. RESULTS There was a substantial improvement of all clinical parameters from baseline to the latest follow-up evaluation. Clinical results reached a plateau at one year, remained stable without substantial worsening for eight years, and then remained as good as the six-month results until fifteen years postoperatively. Compared with the outcomes at the six-month follow-up examination, the results were worse beyond fifteen years. The clinical outcome was not influenced by sex, age, hand dominance, glenoid morphology, glenoid loosening, or upward migration of the humeral head. Thirty-three (73%) of the forty-five shoulders had radiographic evidence of glenoid loosening at the time of final follow-up. Fourteen shoulders (31%) were revised: a soft-tissue revision was performed in one of them, and implant revision was necessary in thirteen. CONCLUSIONS Although there is a significant and longitudinal improvement in shoulder function and pain relief after total shoulder replacement, long-term follow-up of fifteen to twenty years demonstrated a high revision rate in this cohort.

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.

Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head with Cementless Surface Replacement Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Osteonecrosis of the humeral head is a disabling condition that can lead to joint destruction with persistent pain and dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to examine cementless humeral surface replacement arthroplasty as a treatment option for posttraumatic and nontraumatic osteonecrosis. METHODS Between 2002 and 2005, seventeen shoulders with posttraumatic (n = 8) or nontraumatic (n = 9) osteonecrosis of the humeral head were treated with cementless humeral replacement arthroplasty. The mean proportion of the humeral head that was occupied by necrotic bone was 18.6% (range, 8.9% to 30.9%). The mean duration of follow-up was three years. Constant scores, patient satisfaction, and complications were recorded. Volumetric measurements of the necrotic areas and signs of implant loosening were analyzed with use of standardized radiographs. RESULTS The mean Constant score for the entire cohort improved significantly from 31 to 62 points (34% to 75% when adjusted by age and sex) (p < 0.0001). There were also significant improvements in mean shoulder flexion (from 87 degrees to 139 degrees), abduction (from 64 degrees to 120 degrees), and external rotation (from 2 degrees to 27 degrees). The final values for the Constant score, abduction, and power were significantly higher for the nontraumatic group than for the posttraumatic group. Fourteen patients (fifteen shoulders) were very satisfied (eleven shoulders) or satisfied (four shoulders), and two patients (two shoulders) were somewhat disappointed with the postoperative result. Signs of implant loosening were not observed. One patient had a wound infection that required surgical débridement and antibiotic therapy. To date, no implant revisions have been necessary. CONCLUSIONS Cementless humeral surface replacement arthroplasty is a potentially bone-preserving option for patients with posttraumatic and nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the humeral head. Even in the presence of bone loss of as much as 31% of the humeral head, implant loosening was not observed. Good functional results and relief of pain in combination with a low complication rate can be achieved in the short term.

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.