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Shoulder surgery in older patients: recommendations and techniques

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2013

M. Valencia
Affiliation:
Upper Limb Surgery Unit, Hospital FREMAP Majadahonda, Madrid
E. Calvo*
Affiliation:
Shoulder and Elbow Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Institute of Medical Research – Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
*
Address for correspondence: Professor Emilio Calvo, Shoulder and Elbow Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Director, Institute of Medical Research – Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain. Email: ecalvo@fjd.es

Summary

Shoulder disorders are very common in the older population. These can be traumatic injuries such as proximal humerus fractures, or degenerative pathology, with rotator cuff disease being the most frequently diagnosed. Lower functional demands along with the presence of co-morbidities means that conservative management is usual. However, surgery can provide pain relief and improve functional outcomes in selected patients. A thorough pre-operative assessment should be performed to avoid surgical or post-operative complications. Osteoporosis is the major concern when undertaking bone fixation in orthopaedic implants and should be routinely ruled out and treated in order to achieve better results.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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