Access to shoulder arthroplasty in Australia: A balance of regulation, surveillance, and monitored efficacy to maximize patient outcome and optimum care.

Prosthetic arthroplasty has emerged as a major contributor to the management of shoulder disorders. This paper outlines the situation in Australia regarding the process by which shoulder replacement devices are made available. Although entry of joint replacement devices to the Australian market is relatively unrestricted, they must be first approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration-based on safety and efficacy-to be legally used.

Computer Modelling of Wrist Biomechanics: Translation into Specific Tasks and Injuries.

Background: The carpus is a complicated and functionally challenged mechanical system, advancements in the understanding of which have been compromised by the recognition that there is no standard carpal mechanical system and no typical wrist. This paper covers components of a larger project that seeks to develop a kinetic model of wrist mechanics to allow reverse analysis of the specific biomechanical controls or rules of a specific patient's carpus. Those rules, unique to each patient, could be used to create a forward synthesis mathematical model to reproduce the individual's anatomical motion in a virtual environment.

Hemiarthroplasty vs total shoulder replacement for rotator cuff intact osteoarthritis: how do they fare after a decade?

Background: We compared hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total shoulder replacement (TSR) for the treatment of osteoarthritis at minimum of 10 years from primary arthroplasty.

Methods: Thirty-three patients (13 HA and 20 TSR) were intraoperatively randomized to HA or TSR after glenoid exposure and were assessed to a minimum of 10 years postoperatively. Apart from those who died, no patients were lost to follow-up.

Proximal scaphoid costo-osteochondral replacement arthroplasty.

Deficiency of the proximal pole of the scaphoid due to fracture or necrosis was treated by costo-osteochondral replacement arthroplasty using rib bone/cartilage autografts in 22 patients who were followed prospectively and assessed at a median 24 month follow-up (range, 12-72 months). Improvement of wrist function occurred in all patients with increased motion, improved grip strength and less pain. The average modified Green and O'Brien Wrist Function Score improved from 53 out of 100 preoperatively to 80 at the most recent review.