[Cementless humeral head replacement for dislocation arthropathy of the shoulder joint]

Abstract

Background: Only a few reports in the literature describe that total shoulder replacement provides better functional results in dislocation arthropathy than hemiarthroplasty. Nevertheless, the risk of aseptic loosening in young and active patients is high after long-term follow-up. We evaluated the results of cementless humeral head resurfacing in this group.

Methods: We evaluated 29 patients with dislocation arthropathy who had been followed up for a mean of 39 months. The mean age at the time of operation was 43.7±14.7 years. Preoperatively, cuff deficiency was seen in 11 cases.

Results: The mean adjusted Constant score improved from 16.8±15.2% to 78.1±21.9%. Negative prognostic factors turned out to be female sex, age, cuff tears especially of the subscapularis tendon, and previous bone block procedures. Revision was performed in five patients, and two developed painful glenoid erosion which required conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty.

Conclusion: Cementless humeral head replacement is a viable option in the treatment of dislocation arthropathy. Revision can be performed easily since the bone stock has been preserved. On the basis of our data, humeral head replacement in patients <40 years with dislocation arthropathy offers promising short- to midterm results with an acceptable complication rate.