[Total shoulder endoprosthesis design St. Georg].

Experiences with shoulder replacement in 40 cases since 1966 and the development of a nonblocked total prosthesis are described. The replacement of both joint surfaces according to the principles of low friction arthroplasty ist needed to obtain relief of pain. The nonblocked system corresponds in a high degree to physiologic conditions. The shape of the implant and the meticulous reconstruction of the inner and outer rotator cuffs reduce the danger of dislocation considerably. Only small bone resection is necessary. In cases of dislocated compound fractures and of painful posttraumatic and rheumatic arthrosis, total replacement could be an alternative to resection of the humeral head as well as to shoulder arthrodesis.