[Endoprosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint. Possibilities and their analysis]

Functional and anatomic characteristics of the shoulder girdle are special problems, that have to be solved in the process of using an artificial joint replacement to improve the function of a painful shoulder, which is restricted in movement. Seen from a biomechanical point of view, besides a safe fixation of the prosthesis the stability and kinematic of the artificial joint are of considerable importance for the success of the endoprosthetic treatment. The efforts of meeting these requirements by a respective prosthesis design led to a variety of prosthesis types. This study shows the possibilities for prosthetic replacement of the shoulder joint and comprises an analysis of all systems, which are available on the market, as well as of the patent applications of the past 15 years. The prostheses are listed according to their stability. Relative to the state of destruction of the joint unconstrained prosthesis types with completely free and partially restricted mobility, as well as constrained types of joints are being discussed.