Inverse shoulder prosthesis systems are available to compensate for irreparable dysfunction of the rotator cuff. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results after one-stage exchange operations of shoulder implants using the Delta Prosthesis and compare these with the preoperative status.

84 one-stage prosthesis exchanges were evaluated in this prospective analysis 0.5 to 4 years postoperatively. Symptoms of pain and functional results were recorded in a specially compiled follow-up questionnaire and also classified according the Constant and Murley shoulder score.

The mean age of the patients was 65.6 years (49–78 years). The current exchange operation was performed due to impingement caused by cranial migration of the implant head, cranio-ventral dislocation, periprosthetic infection, implant loosening and postoperative ankylosis of the shoulder joint. After the exchage operation with reimplantation of a Delta Prosthesis all patients had complete relief of pain or experienced tolerable pain. The function of the shoulder was markedly improved in all cases. The Constant and Murley shoulder score increased form the preoperative average of 29 to 58 points. The overall complication rate was 13.1%.

One-stage exchange of shoulder prostheses using inverse implants is a technically demanding, but standardised procedure for treating instability, dislocation, limited range of motion, loosening and infection in appropriate cases. The reliable reduction or complete elimination of pain has resulted in a high degree of satisfaction among patients. The final functional result is almost fully achieved as soon as three months postoperatively.