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Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Giant cell tumor formation due to metallosis after open latarjet and partial shoulder resurfacing
Matthew Wolfson1, Patrick Curtin2, Emily J Curry3
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
Abstract:
Shoulder metallosis with giant cell tumor formation is rarely seen in shoulder surgery. With an increase in shoulder arthroplasty and complex revision shoulder surgeries, clinicians should have an index of suspicion for possible metallosis in patients that presents with unexplained persistent pain with metal components on both the glenoid and humeral side. This case describes a 43-yearold female with a history of six prior shoulder surgeries who presented with shoulder metallosis and giant cell tumor formation after a screw from her open Latarjet procedure began rubbing against her Hemicap implant. She successfully underwent a revision total shoulder arthroplasty for post traumatic arthritis with pectoralis major transfer for her chronic subscapularis rupture and had complete symptom resolution.

