Osteoarthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Osteoarthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication.

Efficacy of anatomical prostheses in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Merolla G, Paladini P, Campi F, Porcellini G

Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Ospedale D. Cervesi, Via L. Van Beethoven 1, 47841 Cattolica (RN), Italy. giovannimerolla@hotmail.com

More than 32.8% of the over-60s suffer from shoulder osteoarthritis. For advanced osteoarthritis, arthroplasty is the treatment of choice. Current systems have moved on from the first shoulder prosthesis implanted by Neer in 1974, thanks to the use of adaptable modular systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of anatomical shoulder replacements in 30 cases of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis through clinical and radiographic follow-up for a mean of 5 years. All implants were total cemented prostheses. Preoperative investigations included a clinical examination, conventional X-rays and CT. The Constant-Murley scale was used to evaluate the results; the mean score increased from 21.4 preoperative to 69.8 postoperative (p<0.05). In patients aged under 50, the increase in the mean postoperative Constant Score and ROM was greater than for the sample as a whole. The following complications were encountered: 2 postoperative radial nerve paralyses, resolving in 3 months, 2 cases of glenoid loosening, 1 periprosthetic fracture and 3 cases of pain and stiffness. The results led us to conclude that anatomical prostheses are effective in the treatment of severe primary glenohumeral arthropathy.

Published 5 March 2008 in Chir Organi Mov, 91(2): 109-15.
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