title: [Shoulder arthrodesis using an external fixator in the treatment of chronic inflammatory complications of proximal humeral fractures].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic osteomyelitis is a serious chronic condition that frequently results in permanent after-effects. Treatment is complex, lengthy and costly.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between the beginning of 2003 and the end of 2010, 438 operations of the proximal humerus were performed at our department using either angle-stable osteosynthesis or hemiarthroplasty. In four cases out of this group of patients, deep tissue infection affecting the bone developed. These four patients were treated with arthrodesis of the shoulder joint using an external fixation device. Arthrodesis was also the treatment method in a patient who previously received conservative treatment but developed chronic osteomyelitis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Healing of the infectious focus along with the formation of stable, painless shoulder was achieved in all five patients, with the arthrodesis offering full support for the limbs periphery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The above method represents an alternative to reverse arthroplasty of the shoulder joint usually performed after infection is cured. While function of the limb usually worsens after arthrodesis, the risk of recurring inflammation is substantially lower.
authors: Traumatologicko-ortopedicke centrum se spinalni jednotkou, Krajska nemocnice Liberec. milos.kral@nemlib.cz
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Král
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Pilnáček
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Taller
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Křivohlávek
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Lukáš
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*