There is little published information on the health impact of frozen shoulder. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional and health-related quality of life outcomes following arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) for contracture of the shoulder. Between January 2010 and January 2012 all patients who had failed non-operative treatment including anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy and glenohumeral joint injections for contracture of the shoulder and who subsequently underwent an ACR were enrolled in the study. A total of 100 patients were eligible; 68 underwent ACR alone and 32 had ACR with a subacromial decompression (ASD). ACR resulted in a highly significant improvement in the range of movement and functional outcome, as measured by the Oxford shoulder score and EuroQol EQ-5D index. The mean cost of a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for an ACR and ACR with an ASD was £2563 and £3189, respectively. . ACR is thus a cost-effective procedure that can restore relatively normal function and health-related quality of life in most patients with a contracture of the shoulder within six months after surgery; and the beneficial effects are not related to the duration of the presenting symptoms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:942–6

We have examined the relief from pain and the functional outcome in 18 patients who underwent resection arthroplasty of the shoulder as a salvage operation between 1988 and 2002. The indications included failed shoulder replacement in 17, with infection in 13, and chronic septic arthritis in one. The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (2.5 to 16.6). Two intra-operative fractures of the humerus occurred, both of which healed. The level of pain was significantly decreased (t-test, p < 0.001) but five patients continued to have moderate to severe pain. The mean active elevation was 70° (0° to 150°) postoperatively and represented an improvement from 39° (0° to 140°) (t-test, p = 0.003), but internal and external rotation were hardly changed. The mean number of positive answers on the 12-question Simple Shoulder Test was 3.1 (0 to 12) but the shoulder was generally comfortable when the arm was positioned at rest by the side. The mean post-operative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon’s score was 36 (8 to 73). Despite applying this procedure principally to failed shoulder replacements, the results were similar to those reported in the literature for patients after severe fracture-dislocation. Reduction of pain is possible in one half to two-thirds of patients. The outcome of this operation in providing relief from pain cannot be guaranteed, but the shoulder is usually comfortable at rest, albeit with profound functional limitations

Objectives. Metabolic syndrome and low-grade systemic inflammation are associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but the relationships between these factors and OA in other synovial joints are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet results in OA-like joint damage in the shoulders, knees, and hips of rats after induction of obesity, and to identify potential joint-specific risks for OA-like changes. Methods. A total of 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to either the diet-induced obesity group (DIO, 40% fat, 45% sucrose, n = 9) or a chow control diet (n = 7) for 12 weeks. At sacrifice, histological assessments of the shoulder, hip, and knee joints were performed. Serum inflammatory mediators and body composition were also evaluated. The total Mankin score for each animal was assessed by adding together the individual Modified Mankin scores across all three joints. Linear regression modelling was conducted to evaluate predictive relationships between serum mediators and total joint damage. Results. The HFS diet, in the absence of trauma, resulted in increased joint damage in the shoulder and knee joints of rats. Hip joint damage, however, was not significantly affected by DIO, consistent with findings in human studies. The total Mankin score was increased in DIO animals compared with the chow group, and was associated with percentage of body fat. Positive significant predictive relationships for total Mankin score were found between body fat and two serum mediators (interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)). Conclusion. Systemic inflammatory alterations from DIO in this model system may result in a higher risk for development of knee, shoulder, and multi-joint damage with a HFS diet. Cite this article: K. H. Collins, D. A. Hart, R. A. Seerattan, R. A. Reimer, W. Herzog. High-fat/high-sucrose diet-induced obesity results in joint-specific development of osteoarthritis-like degeneration in a rat model. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:274–281. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.74.BJR-2017-0201.R2

We describe the outcome at a mean follow-up of 8.75 years (7.6 to 9.8) of seven patients who had undergone osteochondral autologous transplantation for full-thickness cartilage defects of the shoulder between 1998 and 2000. These patients have been described previously at a mean of 32.6 months when eight were included. One patient has been lost to follow-up. The outcome was assessed by the Constant shoulder score and the Lysholm knee score to assess any donor-site morbidity. Standard radiographs and MR scores were obtained and compared with the pre-operative findings and the results from the previous review. No patient required any further surgery on the shoulder. The mean Constant score improved significantly until the final follow-up (p = 0.018). The Lysholm score remained excellent throughout. There was a significant progression of osteoarthritic changes from the initial surgery to the first and final follow-up but this did not appear to be related to the size of the defect, the number of cylinders required or the Constant score (p = 0.016). MRI showed that all except one patient had a congruent joint surface at the defect with full bony integration of all osteochondral cylinders. The results have remained satisfactory over a longer period with very good objective and subjective findings

Aims. We conducted a study to identify factors that are prognostic of the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Patients and Methods. Since 1998, patients with symptomatic calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff have been treated with ESWT using an electrohydraulic mode shockwave device. One year after ESWT, patients were grouped according to the level of resorption of calcification. Results. Of 241 symptomatic shoulders, complete resorption (CR) of calcification occurred in 134 (CR group). The remaining 107 shoulders had incomplete resorption (ICR) (ICR group). Gartner type I calcification was most common (64.5%) in the ICR group. The mean duration of symptoms before ESWT was significantly longer in the ICR group. Overall, 81% of the CR group and 23.4% of the ICR group were symptom free. There was a strong relationship between subsidence of symptoms and remission of calcification. Poor prognosis was significantly related to Gartner type I calcification, calcification extent > 15 mm and duration of symptoms > 11 months. Conclusion. Patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder who have the factors identified for a poor outcome after ESWT should undergo a different procedure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1643–50

Gunshot injuries to the shoulder are rare and difficult to manage. We present a case series of seven patients who sustained a severe shoulder injury to the non-dominant side as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We describe the injury as ‘suicide shoulder’ caused by upward and outward movement of the gun barrel as the trigger is pulled. All patients were male, with a mean age of 32 years (21 to 48). All were treated at the time of injury with initial repeated debridement, and within four weeks either by hemiarthroplasty (four patients) or arthrodesis (three patients). The hemiarthroplasty failed in one patient after 20 years due to infection and an arthrodesis was attempted, which also failed due to infection. Overall follow-up was for a mean of 26 months (12 to 44). All four hemiarthroplasty implants were removed with no feasible reconstruction ultimately possible, resulting in a poor functional outcome and no return to work. In contrast, all three primary arthrodeses eventually united, with two patients requiring revision plating and grafting. These patients returned to work with a good functional outcome. We recommend arthrodesis rather than replacement as the treatment of choice for this challenging injury. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:820–4

Aims. Patients with a failed reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have limited salvage options. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of revision RSA when used as a salvage procedure for a failed primary RSA. Patients and Methods. We reviewed all revision RSAs performed for a failed primary RSA between 2006 and 2012, excluding patients with a follow-up of less than two years. A total of 27 revision RSAs were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of revision was 70 years (58 to 82). Of the 27 patients, 14 (52% were female). The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (2 to 10). Results. Six patients (22%) developed complications requiring further revision surgery, at a mean of 1.7 years (0.1 to 5.3) postoperatively. The indication for further revision was dislocation in two, glenoid loosening in one, fracture of the humeral component in one, disassociation of the glenosphere in one, and infection in one. The five-year survival free of further revision was 85%. Five additional RSAs developed complications that did not need surgery, including dislocation in three and periprosthetic fracture in two. Overall, patients who did not require further revision had excellent pain relief, and significant improvements in elevation and external rotation of the shoulder (p < 0.01). The mean postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and simple shoulder test (SST) scores were 66 and 7, respectively. Radiological results were available in 26 patients (96.3%) at a mean of 4.3 years (1.5 to 9.5). At the most recent follow-up, six patients (23%) had glenoid lucency, which were classified as grade III or higher in three (12%). Smokers had a significantly increased risk of glenoid lucency (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Revision RSA, when used to salvage a failed primary RSA, can be a successful procedure. At intermediate follow-up, survival rates are reasonable, but dislocation and glenoid lucency remain a concern, particularly in smokers. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1493–98

Wear of polyethylene is associated with aseptic loosening of orthopaedic implants and has been observed in hip and knee prostheses and anatomical implants for the shoulder. The reversed shoulder prostheses have not been assessed as yet. We investigated the volumetric polyethylene wear of the reversed and anatomical Aequalis shoulder prostheses using a mathematical musculoskeletal model. Movement and joint stability were achieved by EMG-controlled activation of the muscles. A non-constant wear factor was considered. Simulated activities of daily living were estimated from in vivo recorded data. After one year of use, the volumetric wear was 8.4 mm. 3. for the anatomical prosthesis, but 44.6 mm. 3. for the reversed version. For the anatomical prosthesis the predictions for contact pressure and wear were consistent with biomechanical and clinical data. The abrasive wear of the polyethylene in reversed prostheses should not be underestimated, and further analysis, both experimental and clinical, is required

1. Arthrography demonstrates two types of injury to the capsule in acute anterior dislocations of the shoulder. 2. The first is a capsular rupture which does not appear to lead to recurrent dislocation of the shoulder unless there is concomitant humeral head damage. In this group healing is complete in ten days and it should be safe to start exercises early. 3. The second is associated with labral detachment from the glenoid and most heal with immobilisation for three weeks. Failure to heal leads to recurrent dislocation. It is not known whether immobilisation had any influence on healing of the lesion in these patients and this remains the subject of further investigation. 4. In recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder there is constant enlargement of the subscapular bursa, the outline of which becomes continuous with the inferior pouch. Axial arthrographs show either an absence of the glenoid labral outline or an enlarged entrance to the subscapular bursa. 5. Ruptures of the supraspinatus portion of the tendinous cuff were seen in five patients out of a total of twenty-seven acute dislocations, suggesting that this associated injury is more common than was previously believed. POSTERIOR DISLOCATIONS. 6. When the dislocation is voluntary there is marked elasticity of the capsule but the joint is only unstable in one direction when examined under anaesthesia. Both shoulders appear equally affected when examined radiologically under general anaesthesia even though the patient only has the ability to dislocate one. 7. All patients with voluntary dislocation had a curious voluntary muscle control and were able to contract the anterior and posterior parts of deltoid separately. Each dislocation was preceded by scapular movement. 8. No evidence of increased joint laxity was found in other joints in any of the patients. 9. In two patients with acute dislocations the defect of the humeral head was seen after the initial dislocation and in the third patient it occurred at the time of the second dislocation. In all three there was a spill of fluid beneath the subscapularis but no leakage into the axilla as occurred in anterior dislocation with capsular rupture. The capacity for healing appeared greater than in anterior dislocations with labral detachment; one patient treated in a sling had a better functional result than another treated with the shoulder in lateral rotation

This study compared the effect of a computer-assisted and a traditional surgical technique on the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint during passive abduction after hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder for the treatment of fractures. We used seven pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders to create simulated four-part fractures of the proximal humerus, which were then reconstructed with hemiarthroplasty and reattachment of the tuberosities. The specimens were randomised, so that one from each pair was repaired using the computer-assisted technique, whereas a traditional hemiarthroplasty without navigation was performed in the contralateral shoulder. Kinematic data were obtained using an electromagnetic tracking device. The traditional technique resulted in posterior and inferior translation of the humeral head. No statistical differences were observed before or after computer-assisted surgery. Although it requires further improvement, the computer-assisted approach appears to allow glenohumeral kinematics to more closely replicate those of the native joint, potentially improving the function of the shoulder and extending the longevity of the prosthesis

One hundred shoulders were assessed in 50 patients with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, of which one-third were found to have bilateral symptoms. Two distinct clinical and radiological groups emerged. Those with minor epiphyseal abnormalities developed painful osteoarthritis in middle age, but retained shoulder movement until the secondary changes were advanced. Those with 'hatchet head' shoulders likewise became painful in the fifth and sixth decades but had minimal glenohumeral movement from an early stage

An inquiry was made of ninety-seven patients with recurrent dislocation of the patella and forty patients with recurrent dislocation of the shoulder to see how often they had a relative similarly affected, and also how often such dislocation is associated with, and perhaps caused by, familial joint laxity. Ten of those with recurrent dislocation of the patella and two of those with recurrent dislocation of the shoulder were found to have a near relative with a similar dislocation. Familial joint laxity was found in two of the ten families with more than one member affected by recurrent patellar dislocation, and in both those with more than one member with recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. Familial joint laxity was also found in two out of twenty patients with recurrent dislocation of the patella who had no family history of similar dislocation; but in none out of twenty patients with recurrent dislocation of the shoulder and who had no family history of similar dislocation. Familial joint laxity may be the only cause of recurrent dislocation of the shoulder occurring in more than one member of the family. But there are other, as yet undefined, causes of familial recurrent dislocation of the patella

Among 41 adult haemophiliacs 15 suffered from shoulder symptoms. We examined 12 patients by radiography and ultrasound. Four had bilateral symptoms making a total of 16 symptomatic shoulders. Of these, 10 had abnormal ultrasound scans with eight having evidence of rotator cuff tears. Evidence of bicipital tendonitis was found in two. Pain with loss of range of movement and a positive impingement sign was the most reliable clinical indicator of a cuff tear. Joint incongruity and superior migration of the humeral head were the best radiographic indicators. Rotator cuff tears are a common component of haemophilic arthropathy of the shoulder

We reviewed 26 patients with 34 shoulders treated by the inferior capsular shift operation for inferior and multidirectional instability. The mean follow-up was 8.3 years. In total, 12 shoulders showed voluntary subluxation. Eight operations used an anterior and posterior approach, 11 were by the posterior route, and 15 shoulders had an anterior approach. In 30 shoulders (85%) the outcome was satisfactory and 20 (59%) scored good or excellent results on the Rowe system. Instability had recurred in nine shoulders (26%) from three months to three years after the operation. Six of the 12 shoulders with voluntary subluxation (50%) had recurrence, as against three of the other 22 (14%), a statistically significant difference. The operation is therefore not indicated for voluntary subluxation. The 19 shoulders which had been assessed in 1987 at a mean of 3.5 years after surgery, were also reviewed in 1995 and found to have no significant changes in instability or Rowe score. This shows that the capsular shift appeared to have maintained its tension over an eight-year period. After the use of a posterior approach, 64% of the shoulders showed a posterolateral defect on radiographs of the humerus

The treatment of a chronic posterior dislocation of the shoulder is often determined by the size of the associated impression fracture of the humeral head. Our hypothesis was that patients with a chronic unreduced posterior dislocation of the shoulder and a defect in the humeral head involving between 25% to 50% of the articular surface, would do better if reconstructed with an allograft from the femoral head rather than treated by a non-anatomical reconstruction. We reviewed ten men and three women with a mean age of 42 years (36 to 51) at a mean follow-up of 54 months (41 to 64) who had this procedure. At follow-up, nine had no pain or restriction of activities of daily living. Their mean Constant-Murley shoulder score was 86.8 (43 to 98). No patient had symptoms of instability of the shoulder. Reconstruction of the defect in the humeral head with an allograft provides good pain relief, stability and function for patients with a locked, chronic posterior dislocation where the defect involves between 25% and 50% of the circumference of the articular surface