Complications in Surgery of the Rheumatoid Shoulder

The shoulder joint is frequently involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Due to the complex structure of the joint, rheumatoid affection of the shoulder causes early dysfunction, which is often subjectively underestimated at first. Arthroscopic surgery of the rheumatoid shoulder is associated with a low rate of complications. Due to the rheumatic changes in muscle and tendon tissues, reconstructive surgery of the rotator cuff leads to a high incidence of reruptures. Replacement of the shoulder is compromised by inflammatory tissue changes in severely affected shoulders. Reduced bone quality leads to periprosthetic fractures, which are hard to treat with osteosynthesis. Complications in cases with multiple joint replacements require individual solutions. Periprosthetic infections after total shoulder arthroplasty are serious complications requiring early diagnosis and operative revision.