[Total shoulder replacement by an unconstrained prosthesis. Report of 38 cases (author's transl)]

The authors have operated on 38 patients using an original type of unconstrained prosthesis with fixation to the acromion. One prosthesis had to be removed for sepsis, 5 have dislocated and 32 are stable. Most of the cases were improved as regards pain but 14 shoulders remained very stiff. The indications for surgery are discussed, the state of the rotator cuff being particularly important.