Shoulder joint replacement for osteoarthrosis in association with thalidomide-induced phocomelia.

The natural history of thalidomide-induced phocomelia has not yet been established since only 35 years have elapsed since the problems associated with this drug became evident. This paper presents what is considered to be the first case of osteoarthrosis in such an individual treated by shoulder joint replacement. Joint arthoplasty is almost certainly going to become an integral part of the life-long rehabilitation process in such affected individuals.