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Humeral windows, longitudinal splits facilitated controlled removal of well-fixed components
Both humeral windows and longitudinal splits facilitated the controlled removal of well-fixed components during revision shoulder arthroplasty with a high rate of union and a low rate of intraoperative or postoperative sequelae, according to study results.
Researchers identified 427 patients undergoing revision shoulder arthroplasty, with 26 patients undergoing creation of a window and 19 patients undergoing longitudinal osteotomy. Outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications, rate of healing and security of implant fixation.
Among patients who underwent creation of a window, the researchers documented six intraoperative fractures, of which five were greater tuberosity fractures, and one occurred in the humeral shaft.
Results showed all of the windows healed at radiographic follow-up, but two patients had limited follow-up and one did not have follow-up at the researchers’ institution.
Of the patients who underwent longitudinal osteotomy, one experienced an intraoperative greater tuberosity fracture. Seventeen of 19 longitudinal splits healed at radiographic follow-up, with one patient having limited radiographic follow-up and one not having follow-up at the researchers’ institution.
Overall, three patients underwent formation of window and longitudinal osteotomy. The researchers found all shoulders had healed at radiographic follow-up. Additionally, the researchers did not find any intraoperative or postoperative fractures or malunions.
Disclosure: Cofield received royalties from Smith & Nephew.