Long-Term Outcomes of Glenohumeral Arthrodesis

Abstract

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical & Surgical Outcomes of Shoulder Arthrodesis: A Cohort of Seven Cases from the South Metropolitan Health Service of Western Australia

“…In Chammas cohort, 26 of 27 had improved satisfaction and all had gone on to union [15]. Wagner, et al demonstrated reasonable pain relief and improved shoulder stability in their cohort [7]. Atlan reports a 94% fusion rate [11].…”

“…Patients having shoulder arthrodesis for recurrent instability tend to have worse outcomes than those having arthrodesis for other indications [7]. Thangarajah, et al looked at a cohort of six young epileptic patients who had recurrent instability attributed to seizures [2].…”

“…Atlan, et al found that cortico-cancellous autograft in the subacromial space significantly increased fusion (43% vs. 4% P < 0.001) in their cohort of 54 patients [11]. Wagner, et al also found the inclusion of the acromion in the fusion was crucial to prevent non-union [7].…”

“…The optimal position of the fused arm remains unclear. The majority of literature supports 15° to 25° of forward flexion and abduction and 40° to 45° of internal rotation [6][7][8][9]. Souza, et al reported that excessive abduction and external rotation lead to winging of scapula at rest, which results in pain [10].…”

“…Souza, et al reported that excessive abduction and external rotation lead to winging of scapula at rest, which results in pain [10]. Wagner, et al observed that abduction or flexion of ≥ 25° led to better shoulder and extremity function [7]. Van der Lingen, et al and Chammas, et al found malposition of the humerus leads to poorer outcomes [3].…”