Over the last decade stemless shoulder arthroplasty has become increasingly popular. However, stability of metaphyseal loading humeral components remains a concern. This study aimed to assess the stability of the Affinis stemless humeral component using Radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Patients underwent total shoulder arthroplasty via a standardised technique with a press-fit stemless humeral component and a cemented pegged glenoid. Tantalum beads were inserted into the humerus at the time of operation. RSA of the relaxed shoulder was completed at weeks 1, 6, 13, 26, 52 and 104 post-operatively. Stressed RSA with 12 newtons of abduction force was completed from week 13 onwards. ABRSA 5.0 software (Downing Imaging Limited, Aberdeen) was used to calculate humeral component migration and induced movement. 15 patients were recruited. Precision was: 0.041, 0.034, 0.086 and 0.101 mm for Superior, Medial, Posterior and Total Point Motion (TPM) respectively. The mean TPM over 2 years was 0.24 (0.30) mm, (Mean (Standard deviation)). The mean rate of migration per 3 month time period decreased from 0.45 (0.31) to 0.02 (0.01) mm over 2 years. Mean inducible movement TPM peaked at 26 weeks at 0.1 (0.08) mm, which reduced to 0.07 (0.06) mm by 104 weeks when only 3 patients had measurable inducible motion. There was no clear trend in direction of induced movement. There were no adverse events or revisions required. We conclude migration of the humeral component was low with little inducible movement in the majority of patients implying initial and 2 year stability of the stemless humeral component

Deficiency in the gluteus medius and minimus abductor muscles is a well-recognised cause of hip pain and considerable disability. These patients present a management challenge, with no established consensus for surgical intervention. Whiteside in 2012 described a surgical technique for gluteus maximus tendon transfer, with successful outcomes reported. This study is the largest known case series to date of patients undergoing gluteus maximus tendon transfer with clinical and patient reported outcomes measured. 13 consecutive patients were included in the study. All patients had clinical evidence of abductor dysfunction together with MRI evidence of gluteal atrophy and fat infiltration. All patients underwent gluteus maximus transfer with surgery performed according to the procedure described by Whiteside. Patients were followed up with both clinical assessment and patient questionnaires conducted. Mean age was 69 (range 54–82) with 9 patients (69%) having previous Hardinge approach to the affected hip. 6 patients (46%) reported they were satisfied overall with the procedure and 5 patients (38%) were unsatisfied. 7 patients (54%) had improvements in visual analogue scale of pain and 5 patients (54%) reported overall improvements in function. Mean Oxford Hip Score on follow up was 20/48 (range 5–48) and trendelenberg test was positive in 11 patients (85%). No differentiating variable could be identified between patients with positive and negative outcomes (Assessed Variables: Age, sex, BMI, aetiology and gluteus maximus muscle thickness). Clinical outcomes were varied following gluteus maximus tendon transfer for chronic hip abductor dysfunction. Results are considerably less promising than pre-existing studies would suggest

Aims

The free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap represents a workhorse procedure in the field of trauma and plastic surgery. However, only a small number of studies have examined this large group of patients with regard to the morbidity of flap harvest. The aim of this prospective study was therefore to objectively investigate the morbidity of a free LDM flap.

Introduction. Acetabular cup positioning has been linked to dislocation and increased bearing surface wear. A previous study found correlations between patient and surgical factors and acetabular component position. The purpose of this study was to determine if acetabular cup positioning improves when surgeons receive feedback on their performance. Methods. Post-op anteroposterior (AP) pelvis and cross-table lateral radiographs were previously obtained for 2061 patients who received a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip resurfacing from 2004–2008. The surgeries were performed by 7 surgeons. AP radiographs were measured using Hip Analysis Suite to calculate the cup inclination and version angles. Acceptable ranges were defined for abduction (30–45 °) and version (5–25 °). The same surgeons performed a THA or hip resurfacing on 385 patients from January 2009 through June 2010. Cup inclination and version angles for this set of surgeries were compared to surgeries from 2004–2008 to determine if cup inclination and version angles improved in response to previous acetabular cup positioning studies. Improvement in accuracy was assessed by the chi-square test. Results. Time 1, from 2004 through 2008, had 1952 qualifying hips with 1845 having both version and abduction, and Time 2, from 2009 through June 2010, had 385 qualifying hips, all of which had both version and abduction angles. For Time 1, 1192 (62%) acetabular cups were within the abduction range, 1422 (79%) were within the version range, and 908 (49%) were within the range for both. For Time 2, 276 (72%) acetabular cups were within the abduction range, 250 (65%) were within the version range, and 217 (56%) were within the ranges for both. Accuracy of abduction angle improved (p<0.01) while accuracy of version angle decreased (p<0.01). Accuracy of acetabular cup positioning being within range for both abduction angle and version angle improved significantly (p=0.01), by 7%. Conclusions. Increased awareness and feedback on the resulting abduction and version measurements from THA surgery over time improves the positioning of the acetabular component. A system where objective measurements are presented to the surgeon can significantly improve cup placement which could improve the clinical outcome of THR patients

Introduction. One of the most common complications of ceramic on ceramic hip replacement is squeaking. The association of Accolade stem and Trident acetabular system has been reported to have squeaking incidence of up to 35,6%. There is doubt if this phenomenon occurs due to: the stem titanium alloy, the V40 femoral neck, the recessed liner of the trident cup or even the mal-seating of the trident insert on the cup. Objectives. Primary: The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of squeaking in association with the use of Exeter stem and Trident ceramic acetabular system. Secondary: Analysis of the correlation of the cup abduction angle and squeaking. Methods. During the period from March 2004 to December 2008, two surgeons performed 87 total hip arthroplasties in 77 patients with use of a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing (Exeter stem, alumina head, Trident ceramic acetabular system). Seventy six patients (86 THA) were available for review after at least 18 months follow-up. The incidence of squeaking and other noises was analyzed. Cup abduction angle was measured. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine if a correlation existed between the cup abduction angle and squeaking. Results. The incidence of squeaking was 2,63% (2 patients). Both patients reported a “click” noise in hyperextension of the hip. The mean abduction angle was 44 degress (35–60), and 48 degrees (46 and 50) on the squeaking group. There was no statistically significant difference in the in the mean cup inclination between squeaky and quiet hips. Conclusion. The incidence of squeaking in association with the use of Exeter stem and Trident ceramic acetabular system was 2,63%. There was no correlation of the cup abduction angle and squeaking

Introduction. Latissimus dorsi transfer is a procedure used in massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, in young patient with severe pain and significant functional impairment. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate its clinical, radiological and electromyographic results. Methods. Forteen massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears were performed with latissimus dorsi transfer between 2000 and 2008, and were reviewed at an average follow-up of 56 months and minimum of 19 months. Five transfers were primary reconstructions, and nine were revision surgeries. Patients’ mean age was 52.7 years. Clinical outcomes were measured by the Constant score, pain level, active range of motion, and strength. Osteoarthritis and acromiohumeral distance were measured on standardized radiographs. Ultrasound examination evaluate the integrity of the tendon. Axial images in CT-scan looked for muscle atrophy of latissimus dorsi in comparison with the controlateral. Electromyographic activity was measured during active flexion, abduction, adduction and rotations. Results. Twelve patients were satisfied. At the last follow-up, the average pain level according to a 100 mm visual analog scale was 31. The mean age and gender-matched Constant and Murley score improved from 34 to 60 % (p=0.003), forward elevation from 89° to 132° (p=0.006), abduction from 92° to 104°, external rotation from 12° to 24° (p=0.015). Mean abduction and external rotation strength were measured at 2.5 kg. Osteoarthritis progressed, and mean acromio-humeral distance has a significant decrease from 7.5 mm to 4.4 mm (p=0.003). Ultrasound examination showed twelve transferred tendons healed to the greater tuberosity. CT-scan showed a small atrophy of the transferred muscle, with a measurement of the cross-sectional area of the muscle belly at the inferior angle of the scapula at 1405 mm2, versus 1644 mm2 for the controlateral (p=0.06). Electromyographic analysis demonstrated a significant higher electric activity on the operative side during abduction and external rotation, and significant lower activity during adduction and internal rotation in comparison with the nonoperative side. Conclusions. Latissimus dorsi transfer allows for significant pain relief and function improvement in irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears at young patients. Its electric activity increase in abduction and external rotation shows that the transferred muscle can integrate a new function and act like an active muscle transfer, in addition to an interposition or tenodesis effect. However we didn't find any depression of the humeral head or strength improvement

Introduction. The same cup orientation is classically applied to all cases of hip replacement (45° abduction, 20° anteversion). We hypothesize that this orientation must be adapted to the patient's hip range of motion. We tested this hypothesis by means of an experimental study with respect to hip range of motion, comparing the classical orientation (45° and 20°), and the orientation obtained with computer-assisted navigation. Material and Methods. The experimental model included a hemipelvis equipped with a femur whose mobility was controlled for three configurations: stiff (60°/0°, 15°/10°, 10°/10°), average (80°/10°, 35°/30°,35°/25°), mobile (130°/30°, 50°/50°, 45°/35°). The hemipelvis and the cup holder were equipped with an electromagnetic system (Fastrack ™) to measure cup orientation. The Pleos™ navigation system (equipping the hemipelvis, the femur, and the cup holder) guided the cup orientation by detecting the positions risking impingement through a kinematic study of the hip. Nine operators each performed 18 navigation-guided implantations (162 hip abduction, anteversion, and range of movement measurements) in two series scheduled 2 months apart. Results. The model used herein showed intra and interobserver reliability. Compared to the navigation-assisted surgery, the arbitrary orientation gave a mean anteversion error of only 1° ± 6° (−12 to +19°) but 5° ± 8° (−26° to +13°) for abduction. However, 16% of the errors were more than 10° in anteversion (1/2 in the mobile configuration) and 11% of the errors were more than 15° in abduction (for the most part in the mobile configuration). With arbitrary orientation, the errors consisted in excess anteversion and insufficient abduction. Discussion and Conclusion. The experimental model developed was reliable and can be used to evaluate different prosthetic configurations. This study emphasizes that the ideal arbitrary cup orientation cannot be applied to all hips. All the surgeons are very reproducible but the only way to integrate the range of motion in there ‘own way to do’ in vitro, is to use a navigation system witch can guide the surgeon so as to reduce the risk of impingement and instability

Introduction. Direct lateral approaches to the hip require detachment and repair of the anterior part of the gluteus medius and minimus tendon attachments. Limping may occur postoperatively due to nerve injury or failure of muscle re-attachment. The aim of this study was to assess the integrity of abductor muscle repairs using a braided wire suture marker. Methods. Total hip arthroplasties were inserted using a modified Freeman approach. After repair of the abductor tendons using a 1 PDS suture with interlocking Kessler stitches, a 3–0 braided wire suture marker was stitched into the lower end of the flap. The suture was easily visible on postoperative radiographs and its movement could be measured. Patients were assessed using radiographs and Oxford hip scores collected prospectively. Results. 56 joint replacements were performed in 51 patients with no major surgical complications. Mean age was 65 yr and 80% (n=41) were female. It proved possible to reproducibly classify repairs based on radiographic measurements as: no wire movement (43%); repair stretched, moving cephalad a short distance (46%); repair detached, moving cephalad a significant distance (11%). Risk of failure of the repair had no relationship with age, preoperative Oxford hip score, or postoperative Oxford hip score. The mean Oxford hip score drop in the no movement group was 36%, the stretched group 37%, and the detached group 33%. These differences were not significant. Discussion/Conclusion. The wire marker proved to be a revealing method of auditing abductor repair following hip arthroplasty. No difference was demonstrated in outcome in relation to wire movement, therefore this study did not show any advantage from a careful repair technique. Due to the small number of failed repairs there may be a type II error. This method may also be useful in assessing the integrity of other large tendon repairs, such as quadriceps tendons splits in total knee replacements

The posterior approach to the hip avoids violating abductors and has presumed functional advantages. The anterolateral approach risks abductor damage, but has reportedly lower dislocation rate. To determine effects of surgical approach on function and dislocation after primary and revision THR 3274 primary THRs and 66 first time revision THRs were investigated from the arthroplasty database (2000–2008). 2682 (82%) primary THRs were via anterolateral approach, 592 (18%) by posterior. Post primary dislocation rate was 50/2682 (1.9%) for anterolateral and 26/592 (4.4%) for posterior. Posterior approach had significantly better Harris Hip Scores: 91 vs 88 (P = 0.000) and function: 40 vs 37 (P = 0.000). Of the 66 revisions THRs, 30 were anterolateral and 36 posterior. Dislocation rates were 2/30 (6.7%) and 4/36 (11.1%) respectively. There was no significant difference in Harris Hip Score or Harris Hip Function 1 year after revision based on revision surgery approach. However there was a significant difference in Harris Hip Function 1 year after revision based on the approach for primary surgery (Anterolateral 30 vs Posterior 37, P=0.008) and a similar trend in Harris Hip Score (Anterolateral 79 vs Posterior 85, P = 0.198) and patients who had posterior approach for both primary and revision had the best scores overall. The clinical relevance of the modest, but statistically significant difference in Harris hip score after primary THR is unclear. That primary approach has an impact on function after revision suggests the posterior approach should be considered in younger patients likely to require revision in the future

Goal. The goal of this prospective, non-randomized study is to compare functional and life-quality changes in primary total hip replacement (THR) with minimally invasive anterior (MIA) and direct lateral (DL) approach in six months follow-up. Materials and Methods. Sixty (30 MIA and 30 DL) consecutive patients underwent primary THR were operated by the same senior surgeon. Patients completed functional and life-quality scores (Oxford Hip Score, Harris Hip Score, EQ-5D) before operation and four times (2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months) after THR. Physical examination was taken all times. 15–15 patients underwent MRI examination to adjudge status of abductor muscles. The average patient age was approximately equal in both group. Results. The average OHS values were 13,4; 27,5; 40,9; 45,3; 47,5 in MIA and 15,3; 25,3; 39,7; 43,8; 45 in DL, the average HHS values 43,1; 68,7; 85,3; 91,9; 96,7 in MIA and 43; 58,2; 81,5; 90,2; 93,9 in DL, the average EQ-VAS 41,1; 72,5; 85,9; 87,8; 92,4 in MIA and 55,6; 67,8; 80,6; 84; 91,3 in DL consecutively. In MIA group both functional and life-quality scores showed better results, but for the 3rd postoperative month increases were approximately equal. Abductor muscle strength was significantly greater in MIA group in this period. In the 6th postoperative week Trendelenburg-sign was detected in 24 cases (80%) in DL and in 2 cases (6,7%) in MIA group, but in MIA patients were greater trochanter fractures, which had gone healing and limping was not detected 3 months after surgery. 3 months after surgery Trendelenburg-sign was detected in 2 cases in DL group. In follow-up period residual trochanteric pain was detected in 3 cases in DL but none in MIA group. Two weeks after THR climbing a flight of stairs was normal and public transport could be used by 80% of patients in MIA group. Distance walk was unlimited, support had not needed, daily activities were easy. There were 7 operative complications in MIA group, including 2 greater trochanter fracture, 1 haematoma and 4 transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy, which showed change for the better after 6 months. Postoperative hip dislocation was not detected. In DL group MRI represented fatty infiltration and atrophy of abductor muscles in most cases. Conclusions. Besides the fact that our learning curve may influence the results. It seems that earlier mobilisation and faster postoperative recovery can be achieved by MIA approach, which have many financial and social benefits. It preserves muscles and tendons, which probably can influence the long-term results. By preventing abductor muscles can assure better gait pattern. Of course additional long-term studies are needed

Aims

Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome.

Introduction. Massive rotator cuff tears in the patient who is too young for a reverse shoulder replacement are a challenging situation. A technique using a ‘Grammont osteotomy’ of the acromion has been developed to allow a comprehensive approach, the so called “Full Monty”. Aim. To document the functional outcome of patients undergoing an acromial osteotomy for the repair of massive tears of the supraspinatus. Methods. Ten patients undergoing this procedure where entered in to the study. The mean age of the patients was 57 years (+/−16) and all bar one were male. Each patient had a pre-operative American Shoulder Elbow Score (ASES), Oxford Shoulder score (OSS), and range of movement documented. These outcome measures were repeated at a minimum of two years, as well as a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Results. The mean ASES preoperatively was 7(+/− 6) and 23(+/−3) post-operatively (p< 0.001). The mean pre-operative OSS was 22(+/−5) and 43(+/−4) post-operatively (p<0.001). 80% of patients deemed their treatment to be “successful” and 90% would recommend the procedure to a friend in the same plight. The mean post-operative forward flexion achieved was 153° (+/−58) and the mean abduction was 142° (+/−37). All patients could sustain a 1kg weight at arms length at 90° of abduction. One patient suffered a superficial wound infection and one patient had a non-union at the osteotomy site. Conclusion. These results suggest that this technique is a good surgical option for a patient with a “massive” rotator cuff tear that is not amenable to standard surgical techniques

Background. In elderly patients with complex proximal humerus fractures and osteoporotic bone reconstruction is not always possible. Although hemiarthroplasty is an alternative, non-union or tuberosity migration can lead to inferior functional results. Implantation of a Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) seems to be an interesting alternative. In the present study we retrospectively analyzed the short-term results of RTSA for complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. Methods. From 31.10.2005 to 20.07.2010 RTSA was performed in 29 patients (average age 80 years [67;90], 25 women, 4 man) with subcapital, three- or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus as a primary treatment. All procedures were performed using the Anatomical Inverse Shoulder (Zimmer) with fracture stem. A deltopectoral approach was used in every case with reattachment of the tuberosities. Pain, range of motion, subjected shoulder value (SSV) as well as the Constant score (CS) were used to evaluate shoulder function. Implant positioning and signs of loosening were analyzed on standard x-rays. Results. Included were 23 patients with a minimal follow-up of 12 month. The average follow-up was 17 month (12 month to 5 years). The mean SSV was 81% [40;100]. The absolute CS averaged 67 points [34;84] and the relative CS 97% [52;139]. The mean pain score (VAS) was 13.7 of 15, the mean activity score 18.4 of 20, the mean mobility score 28.6 of 40 and the mean strength score 5.1 of 25. The mean active anterior elevation was 130° [80;160], the mean active abduction 128° [80;170] and the mean active external rotation in 0° abduction 21° [-30;70]. All patients reached the same activity level as before surgery and could return to independent living. The results after 12 month were already comparable to those after 24 month (10 patients). Radiographically no signs of loosening were detected. There was a total of 3 complications and reoperations, two due to a hematoma and one because of a periprosthetic fracture. Conclusions. In elderly patients with complex proximal humerus fractures and osteoporotic bone RTSA seems to be a very satisfactory procedure. The short-term clinical results are excellent and predictable with a rapid postoperative recovery of daily comfort. The complication rate is low and acceptable

Aims

It is unclear whether acute plate fixation facilitates earlier return of normal shoulder function following a displaced mid-shaft clavicular fracture compared with nonoperative management when union occurs. The primary aim of this study was to establish whether acute plate fixation was associated with a greater return of normal shoulder function when compared with nonoperative management in patients who unite their fractures. The secondary aim was to investigate whether there were identifiable predictors associated with return of normal shoulder function in patients who achieve union with nonoperative management.

We used an inverted shoulder arthroplasty in 43 consecutive patients with a mean age of 78 years (65 to 97) who had sustained a three- or four-part fracture of the upper humerus. All except two were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 22 months (6 to 58). The clinical outcome was satisfactory with a mean active anterior elevation of 97° (35° to 160°) and a mean active external rotation in abduction of 30° (0° to 80°). The mean Constant and the mean modified Constant scores were respectively 44 (16 to 69) and 66% (25% to 97%). Complications included three patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, five with neurological complications, most of which resolved, and one with an anterior dislocation. Radiography showed peri-prosthetic calcification in 36 patients (90%), displacement of the tuberosities in 19 (53%) and a scapular notch in ten (25%). Compared with conventional hemiarthroplasty, satisfactory mobility was obtained despite frequent migration of the tuberosities. However, long-term results are required before reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be recommended as a routine procedure in complex fractures of the upper humerus in the elderly

Aims

There is a lack of long-term data for minimally invasive acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair. Furthermore, it is not clear if good early clinical results can be maintained over time. The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of minimally invasive AC joint reconstruction (MINAR) and compare it to corresponding short-term data.

Management of irreparable rotator cuff tears is challenging and controversial. Surgeons have been utilising biological tissue scaffolding to augment repairs, but there are concerns regarding viability and function. We wished to investigate this viability and clinical outcome in a small group of patients. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon over a three-year period. Inclusion criteria were patients with large cuff tears and failure of non-operative treatment. Exclusion criteria were patients with glenohumeral arthritis and where cuff repair could not be successfully performed. Open rotator cuff repair followed by augmentation with Graft Jacket® Regenerative Tissue Matrix (Wright Medical) was performed in all patients. A structured cuff repair physiotherapy protocol was then followed. Follow-up was at six months and at minimum twenty-four months post-operatively where Constant scores (CS) and Oxford Shoulder scores (OSS) were noted and a repeat ultrasound performed. Fourteen patients underwent the procedure. No patient was lost to follow-up. There were seven males and seven females with a mean age of 63 years (range 31–77). At minimum twenty-four month follow-up, thirteen patients had flexion and abduction above 90 degrees and symmetrical external rotation. Mean CS was 81 (range 70–91) and mean OSS was 46 (range 41–48). Shoulder ultrasound revealed an intact Graft Jacket® in all thirteen patients. The final patient had lower functional movement and lower CS (34) and OSS (25) and ultrasound identified a re-rupture. This study indicates that augmentation of large rotator cuff repairs with biological tissue scaffolding is a viable option and has good functional results

Introduction. Tip apex distance (TAD) is reported as a predictor for cut outs of lag screws in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, and surgeons are adviced to strive for TAD within 20 mm. However the definition of neck axis and the limb position of lateral radiograph are not clearly described in the original literature. We propose the refined TAD by defining these factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the interobserver agreement of this refined TAD. Materials and Method. X rays of 130 cases of unstable trochanteric fractures were used for the analysis of the refined TAD. In the refined TAD, neck axis was defined as the line between the center of femoral head and midpoint of narrowest part of the femoral neck, and lateral radiograph was taken with hip flexion 90 degrees and abduction 45 degrees. The refined TAD was independently measured by 2 experienced (observer 1,2) and 2 inexperienced (observer 3,4) orthopaedic surgeons who were trained with the new method before the measurement. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,4]) was calculated to assess the interobserver agreement. Result. The mean refined TADs were 18.2:18.4:18.2:18.2 for observer 1:2:3:4. There was a strong correlation among all four observers (ICC 0.998, (95% CI: 0.998, 0.999). Discussion. Regardless of the clinical experience of observers, the refined TAD is a reliable tool and can be used to develop new TAD recommendations for predicting failure of fixation

Our unit has pursued a policy of using donor nerves from the same limb for grafting. Nerves which have already been affected by the primary injury are selected where possible, thus avoiding any new sensory deficit. 36 of the 41 brachial plexus repairs were available for outcome data collected prospectively over 2 years. Over a nine year period, donor nerves used for the 41 brachial plexus repairs included the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm, superficial radial, medial cutaneous of the forearm, ulnar and sural nerves. Patients were grouped into having injured nerve grafts only (A), injured and uninjured nerve grafts (B) and uninjured nerve grafts. The repaired brachial plexus nerves were assessed by measuring the MRC grading of the power of movement of the muscle innervated by that nerve (i.e. elbow flexion for musculocutaneous nerve). These were graded as good (MRC grading 3 or better), fair (MRC grade 1 or 2), or poor (MRC 0). The greatest success for nerve grafting was elbow flexion with good results in 22 out of 27 assessments. Using Mann-Whitney test, Group A had significantly better results (p=0.025) than group C. However, ignoring the poorer results of shoulder abduction there was no significant difference between all 3 groups of patients. We conclude that using injured nerve grafts taken distal to the lesion in the brachial plexus is as effective as using nerve material from an uninjured limb

Implant removal is necessary in up to 25% of patients with plate osteosynthesis after proximal humeral fracture. Our new technique of arthroscopic implant removal offers all advantages of minimal invasive surgery. Additionally treatment of concomitant intraarticular lesions is possible. This study outlines the first results after arthroscopic implant removal in comparison with those of open implant removal. A prospective series of 40 consecutive treated patients had implant removal and arthrolysis after plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fracture. Implant removal was carried out due to limitation in range of movement, secondary implant dislocation and implant impingement. 30 patients (median age 63 (30–82) years) had arthroscopic, ten patients (median age 53 (34–76) years) had open implant removal. Median 10 months after implant removal subjective patient satisfaction, Constant Murley Score (CMS) and Simple Shoulder Test were determined. Arthroscopic implant removal showed comparable first results as open implant removal. There was no significant difference between CMS of both groups. The active shoulder abduction, flexion and external rotation improved significantly after arthroscopic and open implant removal. The simple shoulder test outlined advantages for the arthroscopic technique. After arthroscopic implant removal patients showed higher subjective satisfaction as well as faster pain reduction and mobilization. Analysis of perioperative data showed less blood loss in the group with arthroscopic implant removal. In 85% of patients with arthroscopic implant removal concomitant intraarticular lesions were observed and treated. The arthroscopic implant removal after plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures offers all advantages of minimal invasive surgery and comparable first results as the open implant removal. The subjective and objective satisfaction of patients is high. The technique can be applied and established by all arthroscopic trained shoulder surgeons