Current concepts of shoulder arthroplasty

Shoulder arthroplasty is an accepted treatment for certain proximal humerus fractures and for glenohumeral arthritis. The indications for shoulder arthroplasty are fairly well defined and the outcomes are predictable and highly successful. However, it is a technically demanding surgical procedure, with which few orthopaedic surgeons gain much experience. Most of the currently available implant systems are modifications of the original unconstrained components that were introduced by Neer. Current issues of controversy include implant modularity, glenohumeral mismatch, implant fixation, and the role of glenoid replacement in outcome.