Problem: The displacement of the rotation centre of the humeral head in relation to the shaft axis strongly varies individually. In order to measure the position of the pivot points of the head, the Affinis shoulder prosthesis has a double eccentric adjustment possibility that permits to adapt the head to the medial and dorsal offset. So far, such examinations took place exclusively on the anatomical preparation. This raises the question of whether the need for such a prosthetic system can be derived from the anatomical variation of the pivot points.

Method: In 126 patients with an Affinis shoulder prosthesis, we calculated the individual rotation centres of the head from the position of the adjustable prosthetic cone and the eccentric position of the head. In addition, we used the Constant Score to record the clinical function.

Results: We found great variation of the rotational centres. Therefore we needed the entire setting range of 12mm mediolateral and 6mm dorsoventral. The examination showed that none of the found anatomic head centres could have been reconstructed exactly with a conventional prosthesis. Prosthesis with a single eccentricity would allow correct adjustment in only 22 cases, as the adjustable rotational centres of the head are situated on a circle, which limits the setting possibilities. The Constant Score of the total group improved from 29% preoperatively to 94% after 2 years.

Conclusions: The high variation of the head centres indicates the necessity of a freely adjustable system, such as in a double eccentric bearing. This is the only way that permits an optimal reconstruction of the anatomical conditions – it prevents an increased tension of the rotator cuff, reduces the eccentric loading of the glenoid and creates the prerequisites for the anatomical kinematics. The good clinical results speak for the need to observe bony balancing.

A 59-year-old woman with calcific tendinitis in her right shoulder underwent extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy. Three years and four months later she presented with osteonecrosis of the head of the right humerus. It is known that shock waves in patients with urological disorders can damage blood vessels. A possible reason for the development of osteonecrosis in this patient may have been damage to the blood supply of the head of the humerus.