The Copeland shoulder arthroplasty has been reported to give good results over a 5 to 10 year follow-up period. In this series all the humeral implants were inserted without cement. There was evidence of radiolucency in 30% of the humeral components.

In our unit since 1995 we have implanted the Copeland shoulder hemiarthroplasty using cement around the stem of the prosthesis. We radiologically reviewed 40 patients with a mean radiological follow-up of 4.5 years. There was radiological evidence of loosening in 5%.

Of this group, twenty-five patients had a minimum follow-up of 5 years, with a radiological loosening rate of 8%.

We would suggest that the use of a small amount of cement around the stem of the humeral component is beneficial in reducing the rate of loosening.

We also feel that, as the amount of cement is small and only around the stem, if revision is required it can be undertaken without the difficulties usually associated with cemented prostheses.