Related Experiment Videos
Current status of total joint replacement in the upper extremity
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|February 1, 1977
Summary
Total joint arthroplasty is expanding to the upper extremity, with successful pain relief and motion restored in elbow, wrist, finger, and thumb replacements. Shoulder joint replacement is still in early stages.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has seen significant success in hip and knee replacements.
- Expansion of TJA principles to the upper extremity presents unique challenges in soft tissue rebalancing and joint mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and challenges of total joint arthroplasty in the upper extremity.
- To assess the success rates and future potential of various upper extremity joint replacements.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical trial data on upper extremity joint arthroplasty.
- Analysis of prostheses used and outcomes reported for shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, and thumb replacements.
Main Results:
- Elbow and wrist replacements demonstrate early, predictable success with pain relief and satisfactory motion.
- Finger and thumb replacements offer excellent pain relief but face challenges with soft tissue rebalancing, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Shoulder joint replacement is in its nascent stages with uncertain outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Total joint replacement for arthritic upper extremity joints shows promising results and is likely to become more common.
- Continued clinical trials and technological advancements are expected to improve success rates and expand applications.