Abstract
Aim: To compare results of hemi arthroplasty (Aequalis) and reverse arthroplasty (Delta) in treatment of arthropathy with massive cuff tear.
Methods: This was a multicentric study included 142 shoulder arthroplasties (80 reverse and 62 hemiarthroplasties). The pre-op. status was similar in two population according to Constant score, active anterior elevation (AAE) and active external rotation (AER).
Results: The patients were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 44 months. There were 7 failures needed 5 revisions (2 in hemi group and 3 in reverse one). The Constant score was significantly better (p< 0,01) in reverse group (65.6) than in hemi group (46.2). AAE was significantly better (p< 0,01) in reverse group (138°) than in hemi group (96°). AER was significantly better (p< 0,05) in hemi group (22°) than in reverse group (11°) but external rotation in elevated position and internal rotation were not different. These results stay similar even with a follow up over 5 years. In reverse group, partial glenoid unscrewing was observed in 3 patients, and a notch in pillar of scapula in 50 cases. In hemi group, upward migration was observed in 32 cases.
Conclusions: We found significantly better results for reverse prostheses. The inherent risk of hemiarthroplasties is upward migration wearing the coraco acromialarch. The inherent risk of reverse prosthesis is the notch in scapula, and the strain on glenoid fixation, but the results over 5 years stay satisfactory.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
