Long-term follow-up of allograft reconstruction of segmental defects of the humeral head associated with posterior dislocation of the shoulder

The purpose of this study is to report the long-term follow-up result of allograft reconstruction of segmental defect of the humeral head associated with posterior dislocation of the shoulder. Six men underwent operative management of defects of the humeral head involving 40% of the articular surface, following posterior dislocation of the humeral head. The period of time between dislocation and surgery ranged from 7 to 8 weeks. The defect in the head was filled with an allogeneic segment of humeral head contoured to restore the spherical shape. All the patients returned to their occupation 4 months later. All the cases were evaluated clinically and by radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scan at a mean of 122 (96-144) months after the operative procedure. Three men had no complaints of pain, instability, clicking or catching, whereas three had pain, clicking, catching and stiffness. The three patients with good clinical result showed also good radiographic result. The computed tomography (CT) confirmed incorporation of the allograft and no osteoarthrosis. Another patient had a good clinical and radiographic result until the eighth postoperative year. At 8-year follow-up examination, this patient developed shoulder osteoarthrosis and he had pain and stiffness. He needed an arthroplasty 10 years after the operation. The other two patients developed collapse of the graft and osteoarthrosis that were yet evident at 4-year follow-up. These patients required a shoulder arthroplasty 8 years after the procedure. We conclude that the treatment of segmental defects of the humeral head associated with posterior dislocations of the shoulder by allograft reconstruction has a good long-term follow-up result in 50% of the patients.

The treatment of proximal humerus nonunions in older patients with reverse shoulder arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Experience with treating proximal humeral nonunions with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is limited. We report our results.

PATIENTS

Eighteen patients with proximal humeral atrophic nonunion were treated with reverse total shoulder prosthesis. There were 12 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 78.8 years (range, 75-84 years). The mean follow up after reverse arthroplasty was 28 months (range, 24-32 months). Extensive proximal humeral bone loss that was found in six cases was treated adding a proximal humeral allograft. A long humeral stem was always used.

RESULTS

The mean Constant score increased from 26% preoperatively to 55% postoperatively (p <0.0001). The average anterior elevation increased from 35° to 90° (p<0.0001), abduction from 35° to 85° (p<0.0001), external rotation from 15° to 30° (p <0.0001) and internal rotation from 25° to 55° (p <0.0001). The average subjective shoulder score increased from 10% preoperatively to 50% postoperatively (p <0.0001). All but 4 patients would undergo the same procedure again if faced with the same problem. Eight patients were very satisfied, 6 satisfied and 4 unhappy with the operation. We had one case of transitory axillary nerve palsy and two cases of infection. Two prosthetic dislocations occurred; they were successfully treated by revision with a larger polyethylene glenosphere of 44 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty improves function and motion in patients with proximal humeral fracture sequelae. However, the rate of dislocation is high.

WITHDRAWN: The treatment of proximal humerus nonunions in older patients with the reverse shoulder arthroplasty

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Reemergence of dengue in Cuba: a 1997 epidemic in Santiago de Cuba

After 15 years of absence, dengue reemerged in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba because of increasing migration to the area by people from disease-endemic regions, a high level of vector infestation, and the breakdown of eradication measures. The 1997 epidemic was detected early through an active surveillance system. Of 2,946 laboratory-confirmed cases, 205 were dengue hemorrhagic fever, and 12 were fatal. No deaths were reported in persons under 16 years of age. Now the epidemic is fully controlled.