Evaluation of a cuff tear arthropathy hemiprosthesis for the treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in the presence of a chronic rotator cuff tear

^* Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, USA 
^† Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA

Hypothesis Shoulders with chronic cuff deficiency and associated arthritis treated by hemiarthroplasty with tuberosity coverage maintain the active elevation that they had before surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional and radiographic outcomes.

Materials and methods Thirty-one shoulders with rotator cuff deficiency and associated arthritis, but no prior surgery, which were treated by one surgeon with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty with tuberosity coverage, were evaluated with radiographs, the Simple Shoulder Test and a Constant score at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.

Results Twenty-four of 31 shoulders were evaluated at a mean of 30 months postoperatively. None were classified as Seebauer IIB shoulders. Mean active forward elevation improved from 112° (20 to 160) to 127° (45 to 170). The mean postoperative Simple Shoulder Test score was 9 and the mean postoperative Constant score was 65. Shoulders maintained the pre-operative active elevation.

Discussion Shoulder hemiarthroplasty with tuberosity coverage may be a reasonable treatment option in those without prior surgery, coracoacromial arch integrity, and an active lifestyle and/or young age. Active elevation following hemiarthroplasty with tuberosity coverage for rotator cuff deficiency and associated arthritis without escape depends upon pre-operative active elevation.