Copeland EAS hemi-resurfacing arthroplasty for rotator cuff tear arthropathy: preliminary results

Hemiarthroplasty is a common form of treatment for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Clinical outcomes of the bone-sparing Copeland Extended Articular Surface (EAS) hemi-resurfacing arthroplasty for rotator cuff tear arthropathy have not been reported in the literature. This article presents the authors' preliminary results in this study. Six patients treated with this prosthesis were retrospectively reviewed and the preoperative and postoperative scores for range of motion and outcomes as assessed by the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire and visual analog scale for pain were compared. Significant improvements were found in function, with DASH scores decreasing from an average of 55 to 22, pain improving from 8.83 to 4.5, and external rotation improving from 49; to 67;. Five of the six patients were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. This level IV therapeutic study concluded that the bone-sparing Copeland EAS hemi-resurfacing arthroplasty is a viable alternative to stemmed hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of rotator cuff tear arthropathy in younger, more active patients in whom future revision is a likely possibility.