The results of the Putti-Platt operation with particular reference to arthritis, pain, and limitation of external rotation

The results of 90 primary Putti-Platt operations were studied with an avera ge follow-vp of 9 years. Seventy of the patients underwent a clinical exami nation, a functional assessment, and radiologic examination and completed a questionnaire Twenty patients completed only the questionnaire. The redisl ocation rate was 9%. Eleven percent of the patients had pain at rest, and 3 5% had pain on activity Ninety percent of the patients had restriction of e xternal rotation both at the side of the body (average loss 24 degrees) and in 90 degrees abduction (average loss 23 degrees). Twenty (29%) of the sho ulders showed moderate and 1 (1%) shoulder severe osteoarthritis. Only 3 (4 %) of the nonoperated shoulders showed moderate arthritis, and none had sev ere arthritis. Eighty-three percent of patients were fully satisfied, 13% w ere partly satisfied, and 4% were not satisfied with the result of the oper ation. The authors conclude that the incidence and severity of osteoarthrit is, the incidence of pain, and the limitation of external rotation are sign ificantly increased after the Putti-Platt operation.