Increased-offset reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of failed post-traumatic humeral head replacement

Late complications after humeral head replacement (HHR) for comminuted proximal humeral fractures are common and may necessitate revision surgery. This study evaluated the outcome of revision surgery of failed post-traumatic HHR with a less medialized reverse shoulder prosthesis.

Thirty-three patients with failed post-traumatic HHR due to rotator-cuff insufficiency and glenoid erosion, but with sufficient preservation of the glenoid bone stock to permit primary stability of an inverted glenoid implant, underwent revision using the Bayley-Walker reverse shoulder prosthesis (Stanmore Implants, Elstree, UK) and were monitored up for a mean of 31 months. Outcome measures included the Oxford Shoulder Score, subjective shoulder value, pain rating, active range of motion, and shoulder radiographs.

The average postrevision Oxford Shoulder Score and subjective shoulder value improved from 50 ± 6 to 29 ± 11 and from 23 ± 19 to 51 ± 23, respectively (P < .001). Pain level decreased from 6.2 ± 2.1 to 1.4 ± 2.0 (P < .001). Active forward flexion increased from 34° ± 22° to 63° ± 30° and external rotation from 11° ± 14° to 20° ± 16°(P < .01). More patients were able to use their affected arm to reach a functional triangle consisting the mouth, opposite armpit, and ipsilateral buttock after revision (24% vs 73%; P < .001). Seven patients (21%) had postrevision complications. No glenoid loosening or scapular notching occurred.

Revision of failed post-traumatic HHR with the Bayley-Walker shoulder offers reliable pain relief and improvement in shoulder function with a complication rate similar to other reverse prostheses. Nevertheless, revision shoulder arthroplasty remains challenging with a high rate of complications.