2012

Humeral head resurfacing in central bone defects: In vitro stability of different implants with increasing defect size

Kasten P 1, Neubrech C, Raiss P, Nadorf J, Rickert M, Jakubowitz E.
J Orthop Res. 2012 Aug;30(8):1285-9. doi: 10.1002/jor.22074.
Epub 2012 Jan 10. PMID: 22234967

  1. Division of Shoulder/Elbow Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.

Abstract
We examined the rotary motions of two distinct cementless surface replacement arthroplasties of the shoulder that were implanted on humeri with central spherical bone defects of 8%, 17%, and 37% of the head volume (n = 5 each). Rotary motions were measured under a cyclic torque application and translated into relative micromotions. Implant A with a perforated central crown had micromotions < 150 µm in all bony defects and during all simulated shoulder activities. Implant B with a central tapered tri-fin pin had no micromotions > 150 µm in defects of 0% and 8% during a strenuous activity like lifting 10 kg, but did exhibit micromotion > 150 µm in 40% of the experiments in defects of 17% and 37%, which could impair bony ingrowth. Implant B displayed a significant increase in micromotions for defects of 8% and 17% (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that implant A could be used without risk in spherical head defects up to 37% of volume, even in strenuous shoulder activities immediately after its implantation. Implant B, however, is recommended in spherical defects starting from 8% and only during light shoulder activities until bony integration of the implant has occurred.

PMID: 22234967
DOI: 10.1002/jor.22074