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Biomedical subjects

Gilles Walch

Publications and source records attributed to Gilles Walch.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Early results of a reverse design prosthesis in the treatment of arthritis of the shoulder in elderly patients with a large rotator cuff tear.

Results of shoulder arthroplasty in patients with a deficient rotator cuff often are suboptimal with significant limitations in postoperative active mobility. Short-term results using a reverse design prosthesis in the treatment of the cuff-deficient arthritic shoulder are encouraging. This prosthesis compares favorably, particularly with regard to postoperative active anterior elevation, to other treatment options in this challenging patient population.

Aged↗

Shoulder arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis and dysplastic glenoid morphology.

Fifteen shoulders with primary osteoarthritis and dysplastic glenoid morphology underwent shoulder arthroplasty (eleven total shoulder arthroplasties and four hemiarthroplasties). Patients were evaluated at a mean of 37 months after replacement with clinical examination, Constant score, subjective patient opinion, and radiographic examination. One glenoid component was loose, necessitating removal; the remainder of the prostheses were in place at latest follow-up. Significant improvement was observed in Constant score (32 points preoperatively vs 71 points postoperatively) and active mobility (anterior elevation, 89 degrees preoperatively vs 146 degrees postoperatively; external rotation, 7 degrees preoperatively vs 45 degrees postoperatively) after arthroplasty. This study demonstrates that the rare scenario of osteoarthritis coupled with a dysplastic glenoid can be treated successfully with shoulder arthroplasty.

Aged↗

Arthroscopic tenotomy of the long head of the biceps in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: clinical and radiographic results of 307 cases.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the objective, subjective, and radiographic results of arthroscopic biceps tenotomy in selected patients with rotator cuff tears. Three hundred seven arthroscopic biceps tenotomies were performed in patients with full- thickness rotator cuff tears. Patients were selected for arthroscopic tenotomy if the tear was thought to be irreparable or if the patient was older and not willing to participate in the rehabilitation required after rotator cuff repair. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a mean of 57 months' follow-up (range, 24-168 months). The mean Constant score increased from 48.4 points preoperatively to 67.6 points postoperatively ( P < .0001). Eighty-seven percent of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result. The acromiohumeral interval decreased by a mean of 1.3 mm during the follow-up period and was associated with a longer duration of follow-up ( P < .0001). Preoperatively, 38% of patients had glenohumeral arthritis; postoperatively, 67% of patients had glenohumeral arthritis. Concomitant acromioplasty was statistically associated with better subjective and objective results only in patients with an acromiohumeral distance greater than 6 mm. Fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff musculature had a negative influence on both the functional and radiographic results ( P < .0001). Arthroscopic biceps tenotomy in the treatment of rotator cuff tears in selected patients yields good objective improvement and a high degree of patient satisfaction. Despite these improvements, arthroscopic tenotomy does not appear to alter the progressive radiographic changes that occur with long-standing rotator cuff tears.

Acromion↗

Radiographic comparison of flat-back and convex-back glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty.

The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic results of 2 different glenoid component designs. This series consisted of 66 shoulder arthroplasties with primary osteoarthritis divided into 2 groups based on glenoid component type. One group comprised shoulders receiving cemented flat-back polyethylene glenoid implants. The other group comprised shoulders receiving cemented convex-back polyethylene glenoid implants. Immediate postoperative and 2-year postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the presence and progression of periglenoid radiolucencies, and the 2 groups were compared. Radiolucent line scores were calculated and compared for each group. The keeled, convex-back glenoid component was radiographically better than the keeled, flat-back glenoid component.

Adult↗

Glenoid corticocancellous bone grafting after glenoid component removal in the treatment of glenoid loosening.

Nine patients underwent removal of a loose glenoid component and corticocancellous iliac crest autografting of the bony defect. No revision glenoid components were inserted. Eight bony defects were large, central, and cavitary, and one had an additional peripheral component. Patients were evaluated with a subjective assessment, Constant score, and radiographs at a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 24-39 months). By use of Neer criteria, the result was considered satisfactory in 5 patients and unsatisfactory in 4. Functional improvement was modest, with the mean Constant score increasing from 46.3 to 49.9 points. Radiographs revealed a mean 4.1 mm of medialization of the humeral head within the glenoid (range, 1-11 mm). Two cases showed wear of the bone graft, thought to be induced by eccentric glenoid loading due to rotator cuff insufficiency. No other case demonstrated wear or graft resorption. One patient required reoperation for a massive rotator cuff tear; at the time of surgery, excellent glenoid bone continuity was observed, allowing implantation of a reverse prosthesis. Corticocancellous autografting appears to be a reliable procedure for restoration of glenoid bone stock after removal of a loose glenoid component. Although functional gains were modest, restoration of the glenoid bone component allows implantation if deemed necessary.

Aged↗

A comparison of hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty in the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis: results of a multicenter study.

Six hundred one total shoulder arthroplasties and eighty-nine hemiarthroplasties were performed for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Patients were evaluated with a physical examination, Constant score, and radiographic evaluation. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. At follow-up, the Constant score averaged 64 points, the adjusted Constant score averaged 86%, active anterior elevation averaged 130 degrees, and active external rotation averaged 36 degrees for the hemiarthroplasties. The Constant score averaged 70 points, the adjusted Constant score averaged 96%, active anterior elevation averaged 145 degrees, and active external rotation averaged 42 degrees for the total shoulder arthroplasties. Eighty-six percent of hemiarthroplasties and ninety-four percent of total shoulder arthroplasties had good or excellent results. Differences were statistically significant for all parameters. Total shoulder arthroplasty provided better scores for pain, mobility, and activity than hemiarthroplasty. Fifty-six percent of total shoulder arthroplasties had a radiolucent line around the glenoid component. Total shoulder arthroplasty provides results superior to those of hemiarthroplasty in primary osteoarthritis.

Adult↗

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis: a new technique using bioabsorbable interference screw fixation.

PURPOSE: To report a new technique of arthroscopic biceps tenodesis using bioabsorbable interference screw fixation and the early results. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, nonrandomized study. METHODS TECHNIQUE: The principle of arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is simple: after biceps tenotomy, the tendon is exteriorized and doubled on a suture; the biceps tendon is then pulled into a humeral socket (7 or 8 mm x 25 mm) drilled at the top of the bicipital groove, and fixed using a bioabsorbable interference screw (8 or 9 mm x 25 mm) under arthroscopic control. PATIENTS: 43 patients treated with this technique between 1997 and 1999 were followed-up for at least 1 year. The technique was indicated in 3 clinical situations: (1) with arthroscopic cuff repair (3 cases), (2) in case of isolated pathology of the biceps tendon with an intact cuff (6 cases), and (3) as an alternative to biceps tenotomy in patients with massive, degenerative and irreparable cuff tears (34 cases). The biceps pathology was tenosynovitis (4 cases), prerupture (15 cases), subluxation (11 cases), and luxation (13 cases). RESULTS: The absolute Constant score improved from 43 points preoperatively to 79 points at review (P <.005). There was no loss of elbow movement and biceps strength was 90% of the strength of the other side. Two patients, operated on early in the series, presented with a rupture of the tenodesis. In both cases the bicipital tendon was very friable and the diameter of the screw proved to be insufficient (7 mm). No neurologic or vascular complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis using bioabsorbable screw fixation is technically possible and gives good clinical results. This technique can be used in cases of isolated pathologic biceps tendon or a cuff tear. A very thin, fragile, almost ruptured biceps tendon is the technical limit of this arthroscopic technique.

Absorbable Implants↗

Prosthetic replacement in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder: early results of 268 cases.

Two hundred sixty-eight anatomically designed shoulder arthroplasties for primary osteoarthritis were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 30 months. The Constant score adjusted for age and sex was 38% preoperatively and 97% at follow-up. Good or excellent results were observed in 77% of patients, and 94% were satisfied or very satisfied. Mean active forward elevation was 145 degree postoperatively, and all clinical parameters improved. Glenoid radiolucent lines were present in 58% of cases and were associated with a less satisfactory objective result. Postoperative active forward elevation, strength, and Constant score were inversely related to a tear of the supraspinatus or fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus. Patients who underwent biceps tenodesis had better pain relief. Complications occurred in 8.6% of cases, and 4.9% of shoulders required reoperation. Good early results can be obtained with nonconstrained shoulder arthroplasty in primary osteoarthritis.

Adult↗

Static posterior subluxation of the humeral head: an unrecognized entity responsible for glenohumeral osteoarthritis in the young adult.

Thirteen men with a mean age of 40 years had glenohumeral arthritis and symptoms of stiffness, pain, and locking of the joint at presentation. Provocative test results for anterior or posterior instability were negative. Computed tomography detected posterior humeral head subluxation relative to the glenoid and posterior cartilage wear. All patients demonstrated this posterior subluxation in the absence of posterior glenoid erosion. The mean glenoid retroversion was increased (14.5 degrees ). Increased glenoid retroversion was observed in the contralateral shoulder in 4 cases, and marked static posterior subluxation was noted in the contralateral shoulder in 3 cases. Various surgical procedures were performed in 5 patients to correct this arthrogenic posterior subluxation. Patients who underwent surgery were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 46 months with physical examination and computed tomography. The patients with the longer follow-up showed a progression of arthritis, and all cases showed persistent or recurrent posterior humeral subluxation. Glenohumeral arthritis with static posterior subluxation of the humeral head in the young adult could be the first stage of primary glenohumeral arthritis, predating signs of posterior glenoid erosion. Our attempts to correct this static posterior subluxation failed.

Adult↗

Cemented polyethylene versus uncemented metal-backed glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blind, randomized study.

Thirty-nine patients (forty shoulders) with primary osteoarthritis consented to be randomized to receive either a cemented all-polyethylene glenoid component or a cementless metal-backed component at the time of total shoulder arthroplasty. Their mean age was 69 years. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were completed at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months by history, physical examination, radiographs, and Constant scoring system. The presence of periprosthetic radiolucent lines was significantly greater with polyethylene than with metal-backed glenoids (85% vs 25%, P <.01). Of 20 radiolucent lines, 12 (60%) around polyethylene glenoids were present on immediate postoperative radiographs and 25% were progressive. No significant correlation was found between the presence of radiolucent lines around polyethylene glenoids and functional results (P =.3). By contrast, periprosthetic radiolucent lines around metal-backed glenoids were rare but progressive when present. The incidence of loosening of metal-backed implants (4 cases, 20%) was significantly higher than that observed with polyethylene glenoids (0%, P <.001) and was associated with component shift and severe osteolysis. Metal-backed glenoid loosening significantly correlated with deteriorating functional results and increasing pain (P <.05). Revision surgery was required for 4 patients in the metal-backed group (P =.02), for a subscapularis tear (1 case) and metal-backed glenoid component loosening (3 cases). Computed tomography scan analysis and revision surgery revealed that preoperative posterior humeral subluxation may recur with time despite glenoid reorientation and may cause asymmetric accelerated polyethylene wear, resulting in metal-on-metal contact and severe osteolysis. Reimplantation of a stable cemented glenoid component was possible in 1 case, whereas the cavitary defect was packed with cancellous bone in the 2 other cases. At a minimum of 3 years' follow-up, the results of this study clearly show that (1) the survival rate of cementless, metal-backed glenoid components is inferior to cemented all-polyethylene components and (2) the incidence of radiolucency at the glenoid-cement interface with all-polyethylene components is high and remains a concern. The high rate of loosening, because of the absence of ingrowth and/or the accelerated polyethylene wear, has led us to abandon the use of metal-backed glenoids. Efforts must continue to improve glenoid component design and fixation.

Aged↗

Results of arthroscopic treatment of posterosuperior glenoid impingement in tennis players.

Twenty-eight tennis players with symptomatic posterosuperior glenoid impingement limiting their participation underwent arthroscopic debridement of the supraspinatus tendon and glenoid lesions associated with this diagnosis after nonoperative treatment had failed. The dominant extremity was affected in all patients; the patients' average age was 26.9 years. Eighteen patients participated at the highest level of competition for their age, and the remaining patients participated at the intermediate level. Patients were evaluated at an average of 45.7 months after surgery by physical examination, an activities questionnaire, a subjective result questionnaire, and a questionnaire regarding their return to activity. Postoperatively, the patients averaged 26.9 of 30 possible points on the activities questionnaire. Twenty-three of the patients were subjectively satisfied with the surgical result. Twenty-two patients had returned to tennis. Despite their return, 20 of the 22 patients reported some persistent pain with participation. To our knowledge, this is the first report detailing the results of operative treatment for posterosuperior glenoid impingement in a population limited to tennis players. Even though the results are encouraging in terms of the high number of patients returning to tennis, the effects of this persistent pain with activity, although diminished in severity, on long-term participation is unknown.

Adolescent↗

Rotator cuff tears in middle-aged tennis players: results of surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND: Tennis players, like participants in other overhead sports, are vulnerable to rotator cuff tears. In players who continue to play into their middle-age years, the incidence of such injury increases. HYPOTHESIS: Surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears in middle-aged tennis players is largely successful in allowing return to tennis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: We evaluated the results of surgical treatment of 51 middle-aged tennis players (average age, 51 years) with a rotator cuff tear in their dominant shoulder. Tennis participation among the group had averaged 3.5 hours per week for an average of 25 years. Forty-two patients underwent open repair of the tear with or without biceps tenodesis, whereas 9 patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the tear with or without a biceps tenotomy. Patients were reviewed at an average of 57 months after surgery with an activities score, a subjective questionnaire, and a questionnaire regarding their postoperative participation in tennis. RESULTS: The activities score averaged 26.6 of 30 possible points. Forty-seven patients were satisfied with their result, and 40 patients were able to return to tennis at an average of 9.8 months after surgery. No difference was found in the ability to return to tennis between the open repair group and the arthroscopic debridement group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that it is possible for nearly 80% of middle-aged tennis players to return to participation after operative treatment of rotator cuff tears.

Adult↗