Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (39): 7221-7225.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.39.001

    Next Articles

Different fixation methods for artificial femoral head replacement: A biomechanical comparison of joint stability　

Zhu Yi-ming1, Jiang Chun-yan1, Wang Man-yi1, Rong Guo-wei1, Yu Liu-ping2, Yao Xue-feng2, Meng Li-bo2   

  1. 1 Department of Sports Medicine, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing  100035, China; 2 Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing  100035, China
  • Online:2010-09-24 Published:2010-09-24
  • Contact: Jiang Chun-yan, Doctor, Department of Sports Medicine, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China shoulder_olc@sina.com
  • About author:Zhu Yi-ming, Attending physician, Department of Sports Medicine, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China zhuymail@sina.com
  • Supported by:

     the New Star Program of Beijing Science and Technology Commission, No. 2004B09*

PDF

314

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Artificial humeral head replacement is an effective method for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures, which has received good results in relieving pain. However, the final functional recovery is unpredictable.
OBJECTIVE: To compare biomechanical stability between anatomical and overlapping reconstruction of the greater tuberosity in cadaveric humeral head replacement models.  
METHODS: Eight pairs of fresh-frozen shoulder cadavers (16 shoulder joints) were match-paired into two groups. Standardized humeral head replacement procedure was performed in all specimens, and anatomical and overlapping reconstruction of the greater tuberosity was adopted in each group respectively. For overlapping group, the greater tuberosity was reattached to the proximal humeral shaft in an overlapping style, which was achieved by an additional 5 mm bone osteotomized from the medial cortex of the humeral diaphysis. Custom mounting apparatus and fixation jigs were designed for designated shoulder motion.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: When the shoulder was external rotated to neutral position, the mean displacement of greater tuberosity in the anatomical reconstruction group was smaller than that of the overlapping reconstruction group (P < 0.05). When the gleno-humeral joint was elevated to 30° and 60° forward flexion (accounting for 45° and 90° shoulder forward flexion), there was no significant difference of greater tuberosity displacement between the anatomical group and overlapping group. The findings demonstrated that, although overlapping reconstruction can increase the bone healing area between the greater tuberosity and the humeral diaphysis, there may be some loss in mechanical stability as the trade-off. Even though we strictly follow the standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocol after humeral head replacement, prominent displacement between the greater tuberosity relative to the humeral diaphysis was detected. Accordingly, postponing of the postoperative rehabilitation program after humeral head replacement for a decent period may improve tuberosity healing.

CLC Number: