Shoulder Fusion (Subscribe)  

Anew technique of shoulder fusion is presented using a posterior approach. After removal of the articular cartilage, a Rush pin is introduced from the spine of the scapula, through the glenoid into the medullary canal of the humerus. This is supplemented by tension-band wiring from the acromion to the neck of the humerus and a muscle...

Indications:
- shoulder paralysis:
- may include paralytic dislocation or combined rotator cuff / deltoid paralysis (in which case shoulder arthroplasty would be contra-indicated);
- as a...

We analysed the long-term results of arthrodesis of the shoulder after infection in 15 patients. At the time of operation, 14 cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (3 to 14) and 90% of the patients were satisfied with the outcome.
The complication rate was higher in patients with active sepsis but...

Forty-one arthrodeses of the shoulder in thirty-nine patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (thirty women, nine men) have been reviewed. Using internal fixation and external splints the position of the shoulder was maintained in 55 degrees of abduction, 25 degrees of horizontal flexion and enough internal rotation to allow the patient to reach the...

Indications
Active infection with destruction of joint surfaces
Gunshot wounds
Brachial plexus / nerve injuries (most common cause)
Failed prosthesis
Massive cuff tears
Paralysis
  Lesions of upper plexus
    * stabilisation of shoulder to position hand for ADL
  Complete plexus injuries
    * AEA & arthrodesis of shoulder to enable use of prosthesis
  If trapezius, levator...

There have been few reports on the long-term function after shoulder arthrodesis. We report the outcome after shoulder arthrodesis with plate fixation in 18 patients who were followed for 3-15 years.
Interpretation In this patient series there were few complications after shoulder arthrodesis, and the longterm functional results were acceptable....

Complex deformities following septic arthritis of the shoulder in infancy are mild and therefore rarely reported. A 12 year old girl presented with shortening of upper extremity right side, with dislocation of shoulder and with entire extremity rotated to 180 degrees. The palm faced posteriorly and the olecranon anteriorly. Arthrodesis...

The purpose of this study was to compare the oncologic, reconstructive and functional outcomes of patients who underwent osteoarticular allograft reconstruction with those who underwent arthrodesis for a primary malignant bone tumour of the proximal humerus.
Discussion. In this study, there was a trend towards improved function following arthrodesis compared to...

Video presentation on Shoulder Fusion
Indications, Techniques & Outcome
By: Jon J.P. Warner

Twenty-three patients with a mean age of 35 years (11 males and 12 females) were reexamined 6 years after shoulder fusion. Indication for the operation was shoulder paralysis in 14 cases and arthrosis in 9. In 4 patients the operation had to be repeated because of nonunion. Eighteen patients had...

The major problem with arthrodesis of the shoulder has been a high incidence of nonunion and the need for prolonged external splintage. The development of interna! fixation with the dynamic compression plate has resulted in a union rate of 100%. However, patients who are thin have poor subcutaneous tissue and...

Case presentation from the site of the manufacturer of Opteform®
Successful arthrodesis is demonstrated by minimal pain, stability, good function, and bony union on radiograph. In the absence of the humeral head, achieving successful arthrodesis is difficult. Bone contact between the glenoid and the humerus is limited, increasing the chance for...

Suprascapular nerve entrapment is rarely considered as a cause of shoulder pain. We report relief of pain in an arthrodesed shoulder by decompression of the nerve. Case report. An epileptic man in his 20s developed painful post-traumatic arthritis after delayed diagnosis of a posterior dislocation of his left shoulder. Four years later he had a successful...