[CPM treatment of the shoulder joint]

Since Salter's results about experimental continuous passive motion (CPM) there are remarkable, generally positive experiences on CPM-treatment of the knee-joint. Now CPM-experiences on shoulder joints are described based on data from 150 patients during the last six years. Three types of motorized CPM-machines are presented for the treatment of the shoulder joint. At the present time they are components of the so-called "Artromot-System." Indications and applications of the CPM-devices are described. Patients are accepting the new way of treatment promptly, because they could apply the devices during the early postoperative period for hours in a selected range of motion, causing no pain. The duration of the CPM-treatment should be two to four hours a day. As shown by Salter's experimental studies the continuous passive motion enhances the metabolism of a joint, improves the resorption of effusions, and may prevent joint stiffness as well as secondary arthrosis. CPM-treatment can especially be prolonged for outpatients; thus CPM treatment can contribute to shorten the hospital stay and the time of treatment in general showing an economic factor.