SHOULDER SURFACE REPLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH AVASCULAR NECORSIS OF THE HUMERUS

Abstract

Introduction: Shoulder surface replacement arthroplasty has been established for several decades as a mean to restore comfort and function of the shoulder for many afflictions that derange the normal anatomy. The surface replacement may offer some advantages over the stemmed prostheses.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of Copeland cementless surface replacement arthroplasty (CSRA) applied in patients with bony defects of the humeral head.

Patients and Methods: The study was conducted on 18 patients (2 patients with chronic posterior dislocation, 8 patients with AVN, 8 patients with posttraumatic head necrosis) with bony head defects that were operated on between 1999 and 2006. The patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a mean of 24.8 months (range, 10–78 months). There were 8 female and 10 male shoulders. The mean age was 55.3 years (range, 27–71). The clinical assessment was performed with the Constant score.

Results: The constant score significantly improved from a mean of 14.83 points preoperatively to 64.34 points postoperatively. The average pain score increased from 0.3 points to 9.8 points. The average ROM score increased from 8.21 points to 23.21 points. The humeral offset increased from 22.3 mm to 28.8 mm.

Conclusion: The shoulder surface replacement arthroplasty shows good mid-term results in patients with bony defects.