Reverse shoulder endoprosthesis for pathologic lesions of the proximal humerus: a minimum 3-year follow-up

The Bayley Walker (Stanmore Implants, Elstree, UK) reversed polarity, linked shoulder replacement is designed to provide stable function in the treatment of a painful shoulder with poor soft tissue coverage. We reviewed the results of the prosthesis in destructive pathologic lesions of the proximal humerus at a United Kingdom tumor center.

We identified 8 patients (2 men, 6 women) in our database. Clinical information and functional outcome scores were collected, including range of movement, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Score. Radiographs from the last clinic follow-up were analyzed.

Of the 8 patients, 2 were revisions for aseptic loosening around proximal humeral endoprosthetic replacements. Indications for surgery included chondrosarcoma in 4, metastatic disease in 2, Ewing sarcoma in 1, and osteomyelitis in 1. Patients were a mean age at diagnosis of 49 years (range, 16-78 years). One patient died of metastatic disease during follow-up. Mean follow-up was 49 months (range, 36-90 months). At the latest follow-up, there was 100% survivorship using revision as the end point. There were no local recurrences. Three of 5 patients returned to their previous occupation. Neuropathic pain developed in 1 patient postoperatively, but no other postoperative complications were noted. Radiographs showed no progressive lucencies or scapula notching. Mean range of movement at final follow-up was abduction, 62°; forward flexion, 71°; and external and internal rotation, 50°.

The Bayley Walker prosthesis gives excellent medium-term survivorship and pain relief in patients with pathologic lesions of the proximal humerus requiring wide local excision.