[Post-traumatic shoulder arthrodeses--indications, technique, results]

Shoulder arthrodesis definitely results in a restricted range of motion. However, in patients with a painful restricted motion after glenohumeral empyema or arthritis reduction of pain and an improved range of motion in the thoracoscapular joint are achieved with arthrodesis. Glenohumeral arthrodesis is also indicated for the management of paralysis of the rotator cuff if multidirectional stability is present. From 1978 to 1991 shoulder fusion was performed in ten patients in our institute. The mean age of the seven male and three female patients was 49 years. In six cases arthrodesis was necessary because of shoulder infections after internal fixation of humeral head fractures; three were performed because of posttraumatic arthritis and two, because of complete plexus lesions. The followup an average of just over 3 years after arthrodesis revealed acceptable function according to the Neer and Hawkins score. All patients but one reported a significant improvement of function and pain relief after arthrodesis.