Abstract
The results of revision TSA do not historically match the results of primary TSA. This is especially true if the diagnosis is a soft tissue related problem that leads to the revision. When a revision TSA is considered in this setting, instability is the major problem to overcome and a reverse TSA is most often needed. In the past this would require that the glenoid and humeral components be removed. Some manufacturers have produced shoulder prosthetic systems that can be converted to a reverse TSA without removing the humeral stem making the revision surgery potentially easier for both the patient and the surgeon.
The data bank from two academic shoulder services were utilised to compare outcomes of revision TSA with and without removing the humeral stem at the time of revision surgery. Sixty-seven patients were identified in which 22 did not have the stem removed and 45 required the stem to be revised. The pre-operative and post-operative data for 1 and 2 years were available. Codman's scores, range of motion, estimated blood loss, time in the operating room, complications and cost of the implants were evaluated.
The average blood loss was 280 cc vs. 500 cc, 145 minutes vs. 211 minutes, constant scores were 32 pre-op and 75 post-op vs. 32 pre-op and 70 post-op, complications 0 vs. 9 and the cost of the implants were 23% more in the stem removal group.
The results of revision TSA do not match the results of primary arthroplasty. The results of not having to remove the humeral stem when doing a revision arthroplasty vs. using a system that has to remove both components has certain advantages. The overall outcome score are similar, however, the complication rate, blood loss, time in the operating room and cost of the implants are significantly less.
