[The magnetic resonance tomographic findings following the resection arthroplasty of the caput humeri].

PURPOSE: The resection of the humeral head is normally carried out only with respect to four-part and dislocation fractures in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is a correlation between the clinical results and the MRI findings.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

8 patients underwent clinical and MR examination two to 6 years after resection.

RESULTS

A cartilage-like tissue formation between the remaining humeral head and the glenoid fossa, with signal intensities comparable to hyalin cartilage was found in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The good functional results following resectional surgery of the humeral head can partially be related to new substitute cartilage resulting from a chondroid metaplasia.