E. Petroff et al., Bipolar shoulder arthroplasty for irreparable rotator cuff tear: A preliminary report and a video-fluoroscopy study, REV CHIR OR, 85(3), 1999, pp. 245-256
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine
Journal title
REVUE DE CHIRURGIE ORTHOPEDIQUE ET REPARATRICE DE L APPAREIL MOTEUR
Purpose of the study
Management of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears associat
ed with severe glenohumeral joint degeneration presents a difficult clinica
l challenge. The present study reports on 24 patients with disabling should
er pain due to relator cuff arthropathy treated using a bipolar arthroplast
y.
Material and methods
Between 1995 and 1997, a bipolar shoulder arthroplasty (Biomet, Warsaw, In)
was used in 24 patients (25 shoulders) with rotator cuff arthropathy. Pati
ents were monitored for an average of 14.5 months (range 12 to 24 months).
The coracoacromial ligament was maintened in all patients to provide antero
superior stability. The rotator cuff was irreparable and no attempt was mad
e to cover the superior defect. Postoperative results were reviewed with th
e Constant score and the Swanson score. In order to verify the head-shell m
otion and to analyze the dynamic comportement of bipolar arthroplasties, we
recorded anterior active elevation and active rotations with video-fluoros
copy.
Results
At final the follow-up, 21 shoulders had no or slight pain. Average active
flexion improved to 84.8 degrees after operation from 62.4 degrees beforeha
nd. 13 patients achieved more than 90 degrees of active flexion after opera
tion. Active external rotation improved from a mean 3 to 28.8 degrees. Befo
re surgery the average Constant score was 17.62. Postoperatively, the avera
ge Constant score was 46.97 and the average Swanson score was 23.13. Compli
cations requiring reoperation occurred in 2 cases: 1 component dislocation
(Head-shell), 1 subluxation of the long head of the biceps. Radiographic ev
aluation at follow up demonstrated no humeral stem loosening or component m
igration and no bony erosion of the coracoacromial arch. Rupture of the inf
raspinatus tendon (absolute Constant score: p=0.04, adjusted Constant score
: p=0.02, Swanson score: p=0.03, Functional score: p=0.04), preoperative an
terior subluxation of the humeral head (absolute Constant score: p=0.03, ad
justed Constant score: p=0.05, anterior elevation: p=0.01, functional score
: p=0.04), preoperative narrowing of the acromio-humeral interval (adjusted
Constant score: p=0.02, overall mobility: p=0.02, anterior elevation: p=0.
03) may jeopardize the subsequent success of bipolar shoulder arthroplasty.
The results of this study suggest that the radius curvature of the shell m
ust match that of the bony surface of the glenoid and the coracoacromial ar
ch (absolute Constant score: p=0.003, adjusted Constant score: p=0.005, ove
rall mobility: p=0.002, anterior elevation: p=0.0008, functional score: p=0
.002). Recording of anterior active elevation with video-fluoroscopy allowe
d to identify 3 different types of movements after bipolar shoulder arthrop
lasty. Recording of internal and external rotation allowed to distinguish 2
differents types of movements. Motion appeared to occur between the bipola
r shell and the head. The amount of motion was variable and depended on the
biomechanics.
Discussion and conclusion
Bipolar shoulder arthroplasty is an effective surgical option for patients
with massive irreparable tears of the rotator cuff with concomitant glenohu
meral arthritis. Satisfactory pain relief and modest gains in motion result
in significant functional improvement in this "low functional demand" popu
lation. Predictive factors have been identified and should be discussed bef
ore surgery.