Objectives

The long head of the biceps (LHB) is often resected in shoulder surgery and could therefore serve as a cell source for tissue engineering approaches in the shoulder. However, whether it represents a suitable cell source for regenerative approaches, both in the inflamed and non-inflamed states, remains unclear. In the present study, inflamed and native human LHBs were comparatively characterized for features of regeneration.

We report the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of the Aequalis total shoulder replacement with a cemented all-polyethylene flat-back keeled glenoid component implanted for primary osteoarthritis between 1991 and 2003 in nine European centres. A total of 226 shoulders in 210 patients were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of 122.7 months (61 to 219) or at revision. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant score, patient satisfaction score and range of movement. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with glenoid revision for loosening and radiological glenoid loosening (sd) as endpoints. The Constant score was found to improve from a mean of 26.8 (sd 10.3) pre-operatively to 57.6 (sd 20.0) post-operatively (p < 0.001). Active forward flexion improved from a mean of 85.3° (sd 27.4) pre-operatively to 125° (sd 37.3) postoperatively (p < 0.001). External rotation improved from a mean of 7° (sd 6.5) pre-operatively to 30.3° (sd 21.8°) post-operatively (p < 0.001). Survivorship with revision of the glenoid component as the endpoint was 99.1% at five years, 94.5% at ten years and 79.4% at 15 years. Survivorship with radiological loosening as the endpoint was 99.1% at five years, 80.3% at ten years and 33.6% at 15 years.

Younger patient age and the curettage technique for glenoid preparation correlated with loosening. The rate of glenoid revision and radiological loosening increased with duration of follow-up, but not until a follow-up of five years. Therefore, we recommend that future studies reporting radiological outcomes of new glenoid designs should report follow-up of at least five to ten years.

Background: The aim of this prospective multi-center study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a total of 314 uncemented femoral stem revisions using the modular MRP-titanium system.

Methods: 305 patients (111 males, 194 females, mean age 67.7) with 314 MRP-titanium systems were followed-up for a meantime of 3.2 years (1 to 9 years). Pre- and post-operatively all patients were clinically documented using the Harris hip score. Radiologically, the preoperative bony defects were assessed by the Paprosky classification. Post-operatively, periprosthetic bone remodeling was evaluated on the basis of radiographic evidence of bone apposition or resorption.

The modular MRP-titanium system has proven to be valuable in quite problematic cases of hip revision arthroplasty with extensive femoral defects. The system allows intraoperative adaptation of implant length and antetorsion angle to the actual situation, a feature not provided by non-modular femoral revision implants.

In a prospective, randomised study on the repair of tears of the rotator cuff we compared the clinical results of two suture techniques for which different suture materials were used.

We prospectively randomised 100 patients with tears of the rotator cuff into two groups. Group 1 had transosseous repair with No. 3 Ethibond using modified Mason-Allen sutures and group 2 had transosseous repair with 1.0 mm polydioxanone cord using modified Kessler sutures. After 24 to 30 months the patients were evaluated clinically using the Constant score and by ultrasonography.

Of the 100 patients, 92 completed the study. No significant statistical difference was seen between the two groups: Constant score, 91% vs 92%; rate of further tear, 18% vs 22%; and revision, 4% vs 4%. In cases of further tear the outcome in group 2 did not differ from that for the intact repairs (91% vs 91%), but in group 1 it was significantly worse (94% vs 77%, p = 0.005).

Overall, seven patients had complications which required revision surgery, in four for pain (two in each group) and in three for infection (two in group 1 and one in group 2).

Aims: Prospective multi-center study to evaluate the mid-term results of 280 uncemented femoral stem revisions using the modular MRP-Titan system. Methods: 273 patients with 280 MRP-Titan systems, follow-up for a mean time of 3 years (1 to 8 years). Harris hip score for clinical evaluation, bony defect classification according to Paprosky [163 cases (58%) with type 2B, 2C and 3]. Results: Three aseptic loosenings (1%), three septic loosenings (1%), one additional re-revision because of periprosthetic fracture. Postoperative dislocations occurred in 23 cases (8%), 17 of these (6%) were managed by closed or open reposition without changing the implant. In 6 cases (2%) the antetorsion angle of the modular prosthesis neck was altered. Harris hip score: 38 points preoperatively, 85 points at the last follow-up postoperatively. In 18 cases (6.4%) radiolucient lines were seen, but with no progression and no migration of the stems. The overall survival-rate after 8 years of follow-up was 92%. Conclusions: The modular MRP-Titan system has proven to be valuable in quite problematic cases of hip revision arthroplasty with extensive femoral defects. The system allows intraoperative adaptation of implant length and antetorsion angle to the actual situation, a feature not provided by non-modular femoral revision implants.

Purpose: With this retrospective study, the results of rotator cuff repairs in patients of 60 years and older were compared to patients younger 60.

Methods: 76 patients with an average age of 65 years (60–78 years, group A) and 167 patients younger 60 years (group B) were clinical (Constant – score) and sonographical examined after follow-up of 2 years after reconstruction of the rotator cuff.

Results: In group A, 24 one-, 37 two-, 11 three- and 4 four-tendon tears were treated and the average age and gender adjusted Constant-score was 90,4% (13–126%). 29% showed sonographical signs of a re-defect. In group B, 56 one-, 69 two-, 33 three-, and 9 four-tendon tears were treated and the average age and gender adjusted Constant-score was 81,1% (15–116%). 32% showed sonographical signs of a re-defect.

Conclusion: Both groups did not show significant differences regarding clinical results in the Constant-score size of the rotator cuff defect or occurrence of re-tears. The results in patients older 60 were even better than in younger patients, therefore the older age of the patient should not be primary reason for not repairing a symptomatic rotator cuff tear.