The Global® Fx Shoulder Fracture System: For Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The top of the humerus (the bone that connects the elbow and the shoulder) is the ball. The socket is on the scapula or shoulder blade. The muscles and other soft tissues in the area help to keep the components in place so that the shoulder joint works properly. The shoulder enables you to raise, twist, bend, and move your arms forward, to the sides and behind you.

Humerus fractures are most often caused by a direct blow or by a fall. In the U.S., humerus fractures represent 4-5% of all fractures.¹ Older persons are more likely to get fractures because of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).

Fractures are either "displaced", meaning the fractured bone fragments have moved out of their natural alignment, or "non-displaced" depending on whether the broken pieces remain close to where they were before the injury. If they are non-displaced, usually a sling is used to keep the shoulder from moving around while the bone heals.

About 20% of shoulder fractures are displaced and may require the doctor to move it back into its proper place. If the ball portion at the top of the humerus bone is broken, split or crushed, a shoulder replacement may be needed.

Why the Global Fx Shoulder Fracture System?

When the humerus is broken in three or more places, your doctor will often suggest shoulder replacement surgery to replace the upper part and the ball portion of the bone. This usually leads to fewer problems with less movement of the shoulder and less pain.

The Global Fx Shoulder Fracture System consists of two main parts: the humeral head which replaces the ball and the glenoid component which is used in place of the shoulder socket itself.

The Global Fx Shoulder Fracture System offers you many benefits including:

• The design of the stem is smaller and slimmer which gives your doctor more choices in how they put in the new shoulder.
• Four different stem lengths means that the surgeon can pick the one that is best for your body size
• The stems have special markings to make it easier for the surgeon to see that it has been properly placed.
• Special equipment helps your doctor ensure everything is in proper alignment. This often leads to a quicker and less painful recovery process.

What are the results with the Global Fx Shoulder Fracture System?

A recent review of various studies on the subject by R. John Naranja, MD and Joseph P. Iannotti, MD, PhD, found that shoulder replacement surgery reduced pain in the shoulder joint in most people. They also noted an improved range of motion in those who underwent this operation. The studies they looked at found that the use of modular implants, like those found in the Global Fx System, had a favorable impact on the results of shoulder replacement surgery. ²

Who is a candidate for the Global Fx system?

Shoulder replacement surgery is recommended if you have:

• Severe shoulder pain that does not get better with other treatments
• Severe arthritis which has destroyed the joint
• Severely broken bones in the joint
• Motion and function are so limited that they cause you problems in your everyday life

Shoulder replacement surgery is usually suggested for older patients who suffer a shoulder fracture. The older patients may have more problems with slower and less permanent bone healing, so replacing the shoulder may be an ideal pain relief option.

Note

Only an orthopaedic surgeon trained in shoulder joint replacement can provide advice about whether shoulder joint replacement surgery and the Global Fx shoulder fracture system are right for you. See your physician to learn more.

Individual results with any medical treatment may vary from the outcomes mentioned in this article. Please consult with your physician about the advisability of any medical treatment that you are considering.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of a glenoid prosthesis in patients with cuff tear arthropathy could increase the risk of glenoid component loosening due to non-anatomic loading conditions. The following conditions tend to adversely affect shoulder replacement implants: excessive patient weight, high levels of patient activity, likelihood of falls, poor bone stock, metabolic disorders, disabilities of other joints.

Adverse Events

The following are the most frequent adverse events after shoulder arthroplasty: change in position of the components, loosening of components, dislocation, infection, hematoma, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disorders.

References

1. Iannotti, Joseph P. and Michael L. Sider. Malunions of the Proximal Humerus: Complex and Revision Problems in Shoulder Surgery, 1997. Pages 245-264.
2. Naranja RJ, Jr., Iannotti. Displaced three-and four-part proximal humerus fractures: Evaluation and management. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2000. November/December. Vol. 8 No. 6, Pages 373-382.

Last Updated: 09/26/2008