Clinical effect of operative vs nonoperative treatment on humeral shaft fractures:Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND Whether operation is superior to non-operation for humeral shaft fracture remains debatable.We hypothesized that operation could decrease the nonunion and reintervention rates and increase the functional outcomes.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy between operative and nonoperative approaches for humeral shaft fractures.METHODS We searched the PubMed,Web of Science,ScienceDirect,and Cochrane databases from 1990 to December 2023 for clinical trials and cohort studies comparing the effects of operative and conservative methods on humeral shaft fractures.Two investigators independently extracted data from the eligible studies,and the other two assessed the methodological quality of each study.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk bias or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.The nonunion,reintervention and the overall complications and functional scores were pooled and analyzed using Review Manager software(version 5.3).RESULTS A total of four randomized control trials and 13 cohort studies were included,with 1285 and 1346 patients in the operative and nonoperative groups,respectively.Patients in the operative group were treated with a plate or nail,whereas those in the conservative group were managed with splint or functional bracing.Four studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias,and the other 13 were of a low risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane risk bias tool.The operative group had a significantly decreased rate of nonunion[odds ratio(OR)0.30;95%CI:0.23 to 0.40,reintervention(OR:0.33;95%CI:0.24 to 0.47),and overall complications(OR:0.62;95%CI:0.49 to 0.78)].The pooled effect of the Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder,and Hand score showed a significant difference at 3[mean difference(MD)-8.26;95%CI:-13.60 to-2.92],6(MD:-6.72;95%CI:-11.34 to-2.10),and 12 months(MD:-2.55;95%CI:-4.36 to-0.74).The pooled effect of Visual Analog Scale scores and the Constant-Murley score did not significantly differ between the two groups.CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a trend of rapid functional recovery and decreased rates of nonunion and reintervention after operation for humeral shaft fracture compared to conservative treatment.

Early Treatment Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fracture Non-Union in Adults: Comparative Study of Plating versus Interlocking Nailing

Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3rd of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.

Results of Open Surgical Treatment of Humeral Paddle Fractures about 63 Cases

Fractures of the humeral paddle, common to young adults, are most often complex, linked to violence and an increase in road accidents. The objective of our work is to evaluate our functional results, in the medium term, correlated with a review of the literature. This is a retrospective study of 63 patients, carried out in the traumatology-orthopedics department 1 of the IBN EL JAZZAR hospital in KAIROUAN, over a period of 7 years from January 2015 to December 2021. The average age of patients was 39 years (17 - 68 years). Predominantly male. The etiologies are dominated by falls and accidents on public roads. Fractures are classified according to the Müller and Allgöwer classification where type C is found in 51% of cases. All our patients undergo an olecranon osteotomy in 71% of cases. Osteosynthesis using a Lecestre plate combined with screwing or plugging is used in 84% of cases. The evolution is marked by complications observed in eight patients (16%), including two cases of sepsis, four cases of elbow stiffness (8%), one case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis. Our results are evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, they are excellent and good in 71% of cases, average in 18% of cases and poor in 11% of cases. Fractures of the humeral paddle are fractures with a satisfactory functional prognosis, requiring ad integrum anatomical restoration and solid osteosynthesis allowing early rehabilitation of the elbow. One case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis.

Low risk of postoperative ulnar nerve affection in surgically treated distal humeral fractures when the nerve is released in situ

BACKGROUND Adult distal humeral fractures(DHF)comprise 2%-5%of all fractures and 30%of all elbow fractures.Treatment of DHF may be technically demanding due to fracture complexity and proximity of neurovascular structures.Open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF)are often the treatment of choice,but arthroplasty is considered in case of severe comminution or in elderly patients with poor bone quality.Ulnar nerve affection following surgical treatment of distal humerus fractures is a well-recognized complication.AIM To report the risk of ulnar nerve affection after surgery for acute DHFs.METHODS We retrospectively identified 239 consecutive adult patients with acute DHFs who underwent surgery with ORIF,elbow hemiarthroplasty(EHA)or total elbow arthroplasty(TEA)between January 2011 and December 2019.In all cases,the ulnar nerve was released in situ without anterior transposition.We used our institutional database to review patients’medical records for demographics,fracture morphology,type of surgery and ulnar nerve affection immediately;records were reviewed after surgery and at 2 wk and 12 wk of routine clinical outpatient follow-up.Twenty-nine percent patients were excluded due to pre-or postoperative conditions.Final follow-up examination was a telephone interview in which ulnar nerve affection was reported according to the McGowen Classification Score.A total of 210 patients were eligible for interview,but 13 patients declined participation and 17 patients failed to respond.Thus,180 patients were included.RESULTS Mean age at surgery was 64 years(range 18-88 years);121(67.3%)patients were women;59(32.7%)were men.According to the AO/OTA classification system,we recorded 47 patients with type A3,55 patients with type B and 78 patients with type C fractures.According to the McGowen Classification Score,mild ulnar nerve affection was reported in nine patients;severe affection,in two.A total of 69 patients were treated with ORIF of whom three had mild temporary ulnar nerve affection and one had severe ulnar nerve affection.In all,111 patients were treated with arthroplasty(67 EHA,44 TEA)of whom seven had mild ulnar nerve affection and one had severe persistent ulnar nerve affection.No further treatment was provided.CONCLUSION The risk of ulnar nerve affection after surgical treatment for acute DHF is low when the ulnar nerve is released in situ without nerve transposition,independently of the treatment provided.

Fracture of the Humeral Palette in Adult Patient: Therapeutic and Evolutive Aspect at Gabriel Touré Hospital: About 35 Cases

Introduction: Fractures of the humeral pallet occur between the distal insertion of the anterior brachial muscle and the joint space of the elbow. It represents 2% of all elbow fractures. These lower humeral fractures present a therapeutic challenge to trauma. These fractures are in the majority of joint cases and can be accompanied by loss of substance, which makes their functional prognosis random despite the application of the main therapeutic principles: exact reduction with possible bone graft;stable osteosynthesis, usually allowing early rehabilitation. This work focused on identifying therapeutic aspects and assessing treatment outcomes. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients with a fracture of the humeral palette from January 2015 to December 2019 at the Orthopaedic Trauma Department CHU Gabriel Touré Bamako. Results: We collected 35 cases of fractures of the humeral palette. The average age was 39.25 years with extremes of 22 and 74 years. The male gender predominated (71.4%) with a sex ratio of 2.5. Etiologies were dominated by falls with 19 cases (54.3%) and stroke with 13 cases (37.1%). The standard X-ray of the face and profile of the elbow was performed in all our patients. The most frequent types of anatomoradiology were supra condylar fractures type A in 16 cases (45.7%), supra and inter condylar fractures type C in 15 cases (42.9%);4 cases of uni condylar fractures type B (11.4%). Associated lesions were observed in 42.85%. Surgical treatment was performed in 80% of cases. Complications were dominated by elbow stiffness in 18 cases (51.42%), secondary displacement in 5 cases (14.28%), ossifications in 4 cases (11.42%). At an average decrease of 3.2 years our results were considered good in 45.7%. Conclusion: Fractures of the humeral palette are relatively common with associated lesions. The complexity of the fracture with associated lesions makes treatment difficult with unpredictable evolution.

Humeral Metastasis of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma, a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Adult bone tumors may be primary or secondary. Their diagnosis is often based on the results of imaging tests but can also be completed by biopsy. Case Presentation: We report the observation of a clinical case of fortuitous discovery in the orthopaedic-traumatology department of the national hospital Amirou Boubacar Diallo of Niamey, pathological fracture of the right humeral shaft secondary to metastasis of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of renal origin, a 57-year-old man, a refrigeration engineer by profession, from Niger living in the Middle East. This patient has no known pathological history. He consulted us for pain in his right arm that was more severe at night. All imaging and pathology examinations carried out both in Niger and in the Middle East confirmed the diagnosis of humeral metastasis of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. Surgical management consisted of tumor resection and Kuntscher-type centromedullary alignment nailing of the fracture site. The loss of bone substance in the fracture is filled with acrylic cement. The treatment was completed by chemotherapy. Conclusion: Bone tumours are most often secondary in location. However, the diagnosis must be sought in the presence of any clinical sign.

Outcome Assessment of Z-shaped Osteotomy in the Management of Humeral Shaft Nonunion Secondary to Failed Plate Osteosynthesis

Restoration of fracture alignment by osteotomy is crucial for the management of humeral nonunion. In the present study, we introduced a new way of osteotomy (Z-shaped) in treating humeral shaft nonunion secondary to failed plate osteosynthesis. Clinical data of 24 patients with humeral shaft nonunion following implant failure (from 2010 to 2014) were retrospectively evaluated. These patients underwent Z-shaped osteotomy in revision surgery after the initial surgery, plate osteosynthesis, was failed. Outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Constant and Murley score. Repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months (26.83±4.33 months). The operative time was 102.33±10.16 min, and hospital stay averaged 9.75±2.13 days. All patients achieved clinical union at the latest follow-up. Complications included radial palsy (n=1) and superficial wound infection (n=1). The postoperative VAS scores decreased significantly compared to preoperative score (F=257.99, P<0.01). Constant and Murley score increased and reached 81.33±0.95 at 24 months' follow-up 0=247.35, P<0.01). Among all the cases, 15 cases were graded as "excellent", and 9 as "good". In conclusion, Z-shaped osteotomy was easy to perform, and it provided additional medial support with more bone contact areas. Revision surgery using locking plate and Z-shaped osteotomy achieved high union rate and improved functional outcome. It was a reasonable and safe option for treating humeral nonunion following implant failure.

Using humeral nail for surgical reconstruction of femur in adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta(OI) is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder caused by mutation of collagen which results in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including long bone fragility fractures and deformities. While the treatment for these fractures was recommended as using intramedullary fixation for minimizing stress concentration, the selection of the best implant in the adolescent OI patients for the surgical reconstruction of femur was still problematic, due to anatomy distortion and implant availability. We are reporting the surgical modification by using a humeral nail for femoral fixation in three adolescent OI patients with favorable outcomes.

Physical contributors to glenohumeral internal rotation deficit in high school baseball players

Background： Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit （GIRD） is a risk factor for shoulder and elbow injury in baseball players. Although this evidence forms a basis for recommending stretching, clinical measures of internal rotation range of motion （ROM） do not differentiate if GIRD is due to muscular, capsuloligamentous, or osseous factors. Understanding the contributions of these structures to GIRD is important for the development of targeted interventions. We hypothesize that the osseous component will have the greatest relative contribution to GIRD, followed by muscle stiffness and posterior capsule thickness. Methods： Internal rotation ROM, muscle stiffness （teres minor, infraspinatus, and posterior deltoid）, posterior capsule thickness, and humeral retrotorsion were evaluated on 156 baseball players. A side-to-side difference was calculated for each variable. Variables were entered into a multivariable linear regression to determine the significant predictors of GIRD. Results： The regression model was statistically significant （R2 = 0.134, F（1, 156） = 24.0, p 〈 0.01） with only humeral retrotorsion difference remaining as a significant predictor （β = -0.243, t156 = -4.9, p 〈 0.01）. A greater humeral retrotorsion side-to-side difference was associated with more GIRD. Conclusion： Humeral retrotorsion accounted for 13.3% of the variance in GIRD. The stiffness of the superficial shoulder muscles and capsular thickness, as measured in this study, were not predictors of GIRD. Factors not assessed in this study, such as deeper muscle stiffness, capsule/ ligament laxity, and neuromuscular regulation of muscle stiffness may also contribute to GIRD. Since it is the largest contributor to GIRD, causes of changes in humeral retrotorsion need to be identified. The osseous component only accounted for 13.3% of the variance in GIRD, indicating a large contribution from soft tissues factors that were not addressed in this study. These factors need to be identified to develop evidence-based evaluations and intervention programs to decrease the risk of injury in baseball players.

Use of Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System tube in stabilization of proximal humeral endoprostheses

AIM:To review outcomes following usage of the Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System(LARS?)in shoulder tumors.METHODS:Medical records of nineteen patients(19 shoulders)that underwent tumor excisional procedure and reconstruction with the LARS synthetic fabric,were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTS:Patients’median age was 58 years old,while the median length of resection was 110 mm(range 60-210 mm).Compared to immediate post-operative radiographs,the prosthesis mean end-point position migrated superiorly at a mean follow up period of 26 mo(P=0.002).No statistical significant correlations between the prosthesis head size(P=0.87);the implant stem body length(P=0.949);and the length of resection(P=0.125)with the position of the head,were found at last follow up.Two cases of radiological dislocation were noted but only one was clinically symptomatic.A minor superficial wound dehiscence,healed without surgery,occurred.There was no evidence of aseptic loosening either,and no prosthetic failure.CONCLUSION:LARS?use ensured stability of the shoulder following endoprosthetic reconstruction in most patients.

Nickel-Titanium swan-like memory connector: a new tool to treat humeral shaft nonunion

Objective: To explore a new strategy to treat humeral shaft nonunion efficiently. Methods: In the light of mechanical characteristics of Nickel Titanium memory and the anatomic morphology of humeral shaft, we designed the swan like shape memory alloy connector (SMC). SMC was clinically applied in treating 55 cases of humeral shaft nonunion. Success rate of nonunion repair, reinterventions, complications, range of motion, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results: Fifty five humeral shaft nonunion patients were treated with autogenous bone grafting and SMC internal fixation. The average follow up period was 32 months. In 50 patients with complete follow up data, 49 were recovered from nonunion by lamellar bone healing. The excellent and good rate was 98%; one patient suffering from re fracture in a fall refused further treatment. Neither infection nor re fracture after SMC extraction or joint dysfunction was found in the whole group. Conclusion: SMC facilitates safe internal fixation and bone grafting; its memory biomechanic properties promote osteosynthesis, resulting in accelerated and high quality healing of humeral shaft nonunion. SMC internal fixation with bone grafting is creative, efficient and promising in treating humeral shaft nonunion.

Radial nerve recovery following closed nailing of humeral shaft fractures without radial nerve exploration: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Radial nerve palsy due to humeral shaft fracture is the most common peripheral nerve injury associated with long bone fractures.An antegrade nailing surgical technique is becoming popular for the fixation of these fractures with minimal invasiveness.We analyzed nerve recovery in patients with humeral shaft fracture and radial nerve palsy treated with humeral nail fixation without nerve exploration.AIM To assess the radial nerve recovery rate and time from humeral shaft fracture with surgical treatment using close nailing.METHODS We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent undergone surgical nail fixation for humeral shaft fractures between October 1,2016,and March 31,2020.Subsequently,we analyzed the primary or secondary radial nerve palsy recovery rate and radial nerve motor function recovery time.RESULTS The study included 70 patients who underwent surgical treatment for closed-or Gustilo type I open humeral shaft fractures using a nail fixation technique without radial nerve exploration.The patients suffered from primary(n=5)and secondary(n=5)radial nerve palsy.A 100%radial nerve recovery rate was achieved.The mean recovery time was 4.3 mo.CONCLUSION The study results indicate full recovery of radial nerve palsies from humeral shaft fracture using close nailing treatment.Surgeons need not be concerned about the occurrence of permanent nerve palsies.

PROGRESSION ON TREATMENT OF HUMERAL EPICONDYLITIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

In recent years, the measures on treatment of humeral epicondylitis with acupuncture and moxibustion were increased daily and a certain progression had been achieved. It had been synthesized in the paper various therapies of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of the disease, named filiform needling technique, special needling, warm needling and comprehensive therapy, as well as therapeutic evaluations and mechanisms. Additionally, the problems and shortcomings existed at present had been proposed in the paper.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE OF CHONGYANG ACUPOINT PLUS MOXIBUSTION FOR TREATMENT OF 30 CASES OF EXTERNAL HUMERAL EPICONDYLITIS

In the present paper, the authors summarize their results of 30 cases of external humeral epicondylitis treated with thermal acupuncture of Chongyang (ST 42) and Ashi points. After 3-15 sessions of treatment, of the 30 cases, 24 (80%) were cured, and the rest 6 (20%) responded with apparent improvement in their symptoms.

Triangle tilt and humeral surgery:Meta-analysis of efficacy and functional outcome

AIM: To systematically review and analyze the overall impact and effectiveness of bony surgical procedures, the triangle tilt and humeral surgery in a comparative manner in permanent obstetric brachial plexus injury(OBPI) patients.METHODS: We conducted a literature search and identified original full research articles of OBPI patients treated with a secondary bony surgery, particularly addressing the limitation of shoulder abduction and functions. Further, we analyzed and compared the efficacy and the surgical outcomes of 9 humeral surgerypapers with 179 patients, and 4 of our secondary bony procedure, the triangle tilt surgical papers with 86 patients. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty-one articles were identified, using the search term "brachial plexus" and obstetric or pediatric(246 articles) or neonatal(219 articles) or congenital(188 articles) or "birth palsy"(121 articles). Further, only a few articles were identified using the bony surgery search, osteotomy "brachial plexus" obstetric(35), "humeral osteotomy" and "brachial plexus"(17), and triangle tilt "brachial plexus"(14). Of all, 12 studies reporting pre- and postoperative or improvement in total Mallet functional score were included in this study. Among these, 9 studies reported the humeral surgery and 4 were triangle tilt surgery. We used modified total Mallet functional score in this analysis. Various studies with humeral surgery showed improvement of 1.4, 2.3, 5.0 and 5.6 total Mallet score, whereas the triangle tilt surgery showed improvement of 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.2.CONCLUSION: The triangle tilt surgery improves on what was achieved by humeral osteotomy in the management of shoulder function in OBPI patients.

Humeral retroversion and shoulder muscle changes in infants with internal rotation contractures following brachial plexus birth palsy

AIM To examine humeral retroversion in infants who sustained brachial plexus birth palsy(BPBI) and suffered from an internal rotation contracture. Additionally, the role of the infraspinatus(IS) and subscapularis(SSc) muscles in the genesis of this bony deformation is explored.METHODS Bilateral magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scans of 35 infants(age range: 2-7 mo old) with BPBI were retrospectively analyzed. Retroversion was measured according to two proximal axes and one distal axis(transepicondylar axis). The proximal axes were:(1) the perpendicular line to the borders of the articular surface(humeral centerline); and(2) the longest diameter through the humeral head. Muscle cross-sectional areas of the IS and SSc muscles were measured on the MRI-slides representing the largest muscle belly. The difference in retroversion was correlated with the ratio of muscle-sizes and passive external rotation measurements.RESULTS Retroversion on the involved side was significantly decreased, 1.0° vs 27.6°(1) and 8.5° vs 27.2°(2),(P < 0.01), as compared to the uninvolved side. The size of the SSc and IS muscles on the involved side was significantly decreased, 2.26 cm2 vs 2.79 cm2 and 1.53 cm2 vs 2.19 cm2, respectively(P < 0.05). Furthermore, the muscle ratio(SSc/IS) at the involved side was significantly smaller compared to the uninvolved side(P = 0.007).CONCLUSION Even in our youngest patient population, humeral retroversion has a high likelihood of being decreased. Altered humeral retroversion warrants attention as a structural change in any child being evaluated for the treatment of an internal rotation contracture.

Outcome and revision rate of uncemented humeral head resurfacing:Mid-term follow-up study

BACKGROUND Glenohumeral osteoarthritis(OA)is a common cause of pain and disability affecting nearly a third of the world’s population over 60 years of age.As in other joints,shoulder arthroplasty appears to be the most effective treatment.The implant design has evolved during time transitioning to shorter humeral stem lengths or even stemless components.AIM To evaluate the medium-term outcome and survival of a cementless humeral head resurfacing(HHR)in a group of patients affected with OA or avascular necrosis.METHODS This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data using HHR in 23 patients(15 female and 8 male)after a 7.4 year follow-up.The collected data included clinical and radiographical evaluation.The Constant score,the visual analogue scale,and a clinical evaluation of range of motion were registered preand postoperatively.Fifteen patients affected with OA(2 cases of mild,6 moderate,and 7 severe)and 10 with avascular necrosis(stage III according to Cruess classification)were enrolled.X-rays were evaluated to detect loosening signs,degenerative changes,and superior humeral head migration.Magnetic resonance preoperatively was also performed to assess the rotator cuff status.Tendon integrity was mandatory to implant the HHR.RESULTS In total,19 patients(21 shoulders)completed the follow-up.Data on 4 shoulders,in 4 patients,were lost because of prosthesis failure.The global revision rate was 16%.A statistically significant improvement in the mean Constant score,visual analogue scale,and range of motion have been reported.No signs of loosening were registered,while in 12 cases a glenoid erosion was found.The osteophytes appeared 7 times on the humeral side and 12 on the glenoid.Superior humeral migration was recorded in only 1 case.CONCLUSION HHR remains a reasonable option in patients with an intact rotator cuff for the treatment of OA and avascular necrosis.

Long-Term Clinical and Radiological Outcome in Primary Hemiarthroplasty for Comminuted Humeral Head Fractures in the Elderly: A 5 - 10 Years Follow-Up Prospective Study

Objective: In the constantly growing population of people beyond the age of 60 years, the incidence of complex comminuted humeral head fractures increases, thus increasing the need for prosthetic replacement. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term results after primary hemiarthroplasty in patients older than 60 years. Methods: From 08/2010 to 12/2015 a prospective study of 54 patients (mean age 75 years) with complex humeral head fracture was performed at the University Hospital Rostock. 24 patients were available for follow-up after 5 - 10 years. Pain, the Karnofsky-index, and the range of motion were obtained as well as radiographs in two planes. The Constant-Murley score and the UCLA rating system were evaluated for functional assessment. Results: 15 patients were painfree. The Karnofsky index deteriorated from 94 preoperatively to 70. The Constant-Murley score of the operated extremity reached 47 points out of possible 100, the uninjured side scored 82 points. The age-specific Constant-Murley score showed more favorable results. The UCLA rating system values leveled up to 22 out of 35 points for the replaced shoulder and 33 points for the other arm. Radiologically, more than 50% of the implants were classified as non-centered and the acromio-humeral space diminished significantly. Conclusions: Primary hemiarthroplasty helps to restore a situation of little or no pain whereas functional and radiological outcome remains limited. Revision surgery or conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty was not indicated in any case supporting the clinical value of hemiarthroplasty.

TREATMENT OF 62 CASES OF EXTERNAL HUMERAL EPICONDYLITIS WITH STILETTO NEEDLE

External humeral epicondylitis, also known as brachioradial bursitis, popularly called “tennis elbow” refers to the acute or chronic myofascitis, the injury of the common extensor tendon of the humeral epicondyle. The authors have recently treated 62 cases of the disease by means of stiletto needle, the therapeutic effect of the treatment is so satisfactory, following is the report of the treatment.

Rotator Cuff Reconstruction and Humeral Head Replacement Using Smaller Humeral Prostheses in Cuff Tear Arthropathy Patients under 70 Years of Age

Background: Most reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) studies have shown good improvement in arm elevation without improvements in external rotation (ER). In addition, high rates of complications after long-term RSA have been reported, suggesting that RSA should be limited to elderly patients, especially those who are older than 70 years old. Since 2001, we have developed a strategy of rotator cuff reconstruction with muscle transfer and humeral head replacement (HHR), using smaller humeral prostheses, in cuff tear arthropathy patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical outcome of our strategy in patients under 70 years of age who had irreparable rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 shoulders of 25 patients under 70 years of age (males, 15;females, 10) with irreparable cuff tears were treated with HHR and cuff reconstruction. The average age at the time of surgery was 64.3 years (range, 55 - 69) and the average follow-up period was 38.7 months (range, 24 - 72). The cuff defect was repaired using a partial subscapularis transfer in 14 shoulders;nine shoulders required a latissimus dorsi transfer, one required a pectoralis major transfer, and one required both a latissimus dorsi and a pectoralis major transfer. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the range of motion (ROM), UCLA score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and postsurgical complications. Results: Shoulder pain was diminished in all patients after surgery. The preoperative UCLA and JOA scores were 13.1 and 47.0 respectively, improving to 28.6 and 81.5 respectively after surgery. Active forward flexion has improved from an average of 89.0° to 138.8°, and the ER improved from an average of 16.2° to 33.2°. No complications occurred after surgery. Conclusion: Anatomical reconstruction using smaller head humeral prostheses yielded favorable results and less complication, compared with RSA. Considering another advantage of ability to retain glenoid bone stock, the current procedure can be a useful option for irreparable rotator cuff tears with OA in patients under 70 years old.