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Biomedical subjects

R Sean Churchill

Publications and source records attributed to R Sean Churchill.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Humeral component modularity may not be an important factor in the outcome of shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

We examined the outcomes of using 3 types of humeral prostheses in total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a modular prosthesis with variable head diameters (MV), a nonmodular prosthesis with variable head diameters (NV), and a nonmodular prosthesis with a fixed head diameter (NF). Patients (N=101) completed self-assessments of shoulder function and health status before surgery and at follow-up between 30 and 60 months after surgery. Outcomes for the MV and NV prostheses did not differ statistically. The NF prosthesis trended toward poorer functional scores. Two Short Form-36 dimensions were statistically significantly lower (P<.05) in the NF group than in the MV and NV groups. These results fail to confirm that humeral component modularity is an important factor in the outcome of shoulder arthroplasty.

Aged↗

Glenoid cementing may generate sufficient heat to endanger the surrounding bone.

Glenoid loosening is a common complication of shoulder arthroplasty. One possible cause is bone necrosis from the exothermic reaction of polymethylmethacrylate. The relationship between the amount of cement used in glenoid fixation and the risk of thermal injury to bone was examined. Glenoid arthroplasty was done on 17 fresh cadaver scapulas, recording the amount of cement used. The bone surface temperature during cement curing was measured using infrared thermography. Using these data and published thresholds for thermal necrosis, the frontal plane area of bone that would be at risk for necrosis in vivo was estimated. The average weight of cement implanted was 5.35 g (2.65-8.08 g). The maximum temperature recorded averaged 64.7 degree C (48.2 degree-76.8 degree C). The area of bone at risk correlated with the amount of cement used. This study indicates that potentially dangerous amounts of heat may be generated during cementing of glenoid components.

Arthroplasty, Replacement↗

Asynchronous web-based patient-centered home telemedicine system.

A web-based system for asynchronous multimedia messaging between shoulder replacement surgery patients at home and their surgeons was developed and tested. A web browser plug-in simplifies the process of capturing video and transferring it to a web site for novice computer users. The design of the video capture plug-in can be reused to acquire and securely transfer any type of data over the web. For example, readings from home biosensor instruments (e.g., glucometers and spirometers) that can be connected to a personal computer can be transferred to a home telemedicine web site. Both patients and doctors can access this web site to monitor health status longitudinally. Six patients, whose familiarity with computers ranged from no experience to expert users, used the system. All of the subjects were able to use the system to check treatment reminders and to send at least one message with video to their surgeons. The surgeons monitored the system regularly and always responded to messages within 24 h during the six-month trial period.

Arthroplasty, Replacement↗

Characterizing the functional improvement after total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Both shoulder surgeons and patients who are considering total shoulder arthroplasty are interested in the anticipated improvement in shoulder comfort and function after the procedure. The purpose of the present study was to characterize shoulder-specific functional gains in relation to preoperative shoulder function and to present this information in a way that can be easily communicated to patients who are considering this surgery. METHODS: We analyzed the preoperative and follow-up shoulder function in patients managed with total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Functional self-assessments were available for 102 (80%) of 128 shoulders after thirty to sixty months of follow-up. Outcome was assessed with respect to the change in the number of shoulder functions that were performable, the change in shoulder function as a percentage of the preoperative functional deficit, and the change in the ability to perform specific shoulder functions. RESULTS: The average number of shoulder functions that were performable improved from four of twelve preoperatively to nine of twelve postoperatively (p < 0.01). Function improved in ninety-six shoulders (94%). The number of functions that were performable at the time of follow-up was positively associated with preoperative shoulder function (p < 0.05): the better the preoperative function, the better the follow-up function. The improvement in function was greatest for shoulders with less preoperative function (p < 0.01). On the average, patients regained approximately two-thirds of the functions that had been absent preoperatively. Significant improvement was noted in eleven of the twelve shoulder functions that were examined (p < 0.01). The chance of regaining a function that had been absent before surgery was 73%, whereas the chance of losing a function that had been present before surgery was 6%. Older men tended to have greater functional improvement than younger men. CONCLUSION: Total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis significantly improves shoulder function. Postoperative function is related to preoperative function. The improvement that was observed in this clinical series can be conveyed to patients most simply by stating that, after surgery, shoulders typically regained approximately two-thirds of the functions that had been absent preoperatively.

Adult↗

The effect of total shoulder arthroplasty on self-assessed health status is comparable to that of total hip arthroplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on the self-assessed health status of a large series of patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. In 91 patients we were able to compare the 8 quantitative domains of Short Form-36 (SF-36) before surgery and at 30 to 60 months after surgery. These preoperative and postoperative scores were compared with data from an age- and gender-matched control population. These results were also compared with those reported for patients who underwent other common, effective surgical procedures. Preoperative SF-36 values were significantly lower than population controls for 6 of 8 SF-36 domains (physical function, social function, physical role function, emotional role function, vitality, and comfort). Patients improved significantly in 4 of 8 SF-36 domains at 30 to 60 months after total shoulder arthroplasty: physical role function (P <.01), comfort (P <.01), social function (P <.01), and mental health (P <.05). Although the improvements were significant and similar to the postoperative scores reported for total hip arthroplasty and coronary bypass procedures, the scores did not reach those of the general population.

Aged↗

Rotator cuff ultrasonography: diagnostic capabilities.

Dynamic shoulder ultrasonography is a noninvasive, accurate method used to assess the rotator cuff tendons. It can be incorporated into the in-office physical examination of patients at risk for rotator cuff problems. The low cost, convenience, and lack of risk make dynamic ultrasonography an excellent imaging tool for evaluating the biceps, subscapularis, infraspinatus, teres minor, and supraspinatus tendons. In-office ultrasound also provides an opportunity for patient education and explanation of management options.

Diagnosis, Differential↗