Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Two-stage shoulder reconstruction for active glenohumeral sepsis
Steven J Hattrup1, Kevin J Renfree
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Orthopedics
|January 9, 2010
Summary
Two-stage shoulder reconstruction effectively treats glenohumeral sepsis, eradicating infection and improving pain and motion. However, functional outcomes may remain limited following this surgical approach.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- Glenohumeral sepsis requires effective treatment strategies.
- Two-stage reconstruction is a recognized approach for shoulder joint infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of two-stage reconstruction for glenohumeral sepsis.
- To identify factors influencing treatment success and patient recovery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 25 patients treated with two-stage shoulder reconstruction.
- Analysis of preoperative symptoms, causative organisms, and postoperative outcomes.
- Minimum 2-year follow-up for 21 patients.
Main Results:
- Infection eradication in 18 of 21 shoulders (85.7%).
- Significant improvement in pain (mean VAS 1.67), flexion (100.9°), abduction (93.6°), and external rotation (32.6°).
- Treatment success was significantly associated with the infecting organism (P=.0198), with failures linked to Proprionibacterium.
Conclusions:
- Two-stage shoulder reconstruction is effective in curing glenohumeral sepsis and improving pain and range of motion.
- While infection control and pain relief are typical, functional recovery may be limited.
- Organism-specific outcomes highlight the importance of microbiological diagnosis in treatment planning.
