Use of a trabecular metal implant in ankle arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement: A short-term follow-up of 13 patients

Patients and methods 13 patients with a migrated or loose total ankle implant underwent arthrodesis with the use of a retrograde intramedullary nail through a trabecular metal Tibial Cone. The mean follow-up time was 1.4 (0.6-3.4) years. Results At the last examination, 7 patients were pain-free, while 5 had some residual pain but were satisfied with the procedure. 1 patient was dissatisfied and experienced pain and swelling when walking. The implant-bone interfaces showed no radiographic zones or gaps in any patient, indicating union. Interpretation The method is a new way of simplifying and overcoming some of the problems of performing arthrodesis after failed total ankle replacement

Humeral Head Resurfacing in the Rheumatoid Shoulder

Summary: The rheumatoid shoulder and elbow should be assessed in an early stage concerning the possibility of surgical intervention. The cause of the shoulder pain can be localized elsewhere in the shoulder girdle or in the neck. In patients with glenohumeral pain, resurfacing of the humeral head with a cup seems to be a good alternative to conventional stemmed prostheses. It diminishes the risk of peroperative complications involving the humeral shaft and late periprosthetic fractures. Revision or arthrodesis can be undertaken easily because the bone stock has been maintained with no loss of length. The main advantages of humeral head resurfacing are preservation of bone and the relatively simple surgical technique