The Role for Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty in the Young, Active Patient

Younger patients with severe glenohumeral (GH) arthritis are a challenge to treat, as they have high physical demands, high expectations, a long lifespan, and often altered anatomy from prior surgery or congenital deformity. Nonoperative management is the cornerstone of treatment; however, when it fails, shoulder arthroplasty can be indicated. Although the literature suggests that total shoulder arthroplasty is the most appropriate for severe GH arthritis, there are a subset of patients in which a hemiarthroplasty can still be successful. This article reviews the clinical performance of hemiarthroplasty in patients with specific diagnoses while highlighting the limitations of the operation.