Do reverse total shoulder replacements have better clinical and functional outcomes than hemiarthroplasty for patients undergoing proximal humeral tumor resection using devitalized autograft composite reconstruction: a case-control study

Objective To compare the efficacy and prognosis of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) with shoulder hemiarthroplasty (SHA) using devitalized autograft or allograft composite reconstruction after proximal humeral tumor resection. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent SHA (32) and rTSA (20) for tumor resections of the proximal humerus from January 2014 to July 2020. The clinical results included duration of the operation, intraoperative blood loss, bone union, visual analog scale (VAS) score, shoulder range of motion (ROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, recurrence, and overall survival. Results Fifty-two patients were followed up for a mean of 30 months. Thirty-two patients were SHA with allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) reconstructions, while other 20 were rTSA with devitalized autograft-prosthetic composite reconstructions. At the end of the follow-up, 2 recurrence, 3 postoperative infections, and 4 subluxations occurred among the SHA patients. Two patients in the rTSA group had postoperative anterior dislocation and underwent revision surgery with surgical mesh, and 2 (2/20) had grade II scapular notching. The mean VAS score of the shoulder was 1.5 ± 0.8 in the rTSA group and 2.3 ± 1.2 in the SHA group (p < 0.05). The mean active forward flexion of the shoulder joint was 50.6 ± 6.0 in the SHA group and 100 ± 7.6 in the rTSA group (p < 0.05). The ASES shoulder score was 78 ± 3.0 in the rTSA group and 52 ± 5.6 in the SHA group (p < 0.05). The overall 3-year survival rate of all patients was 60.0%, and patients in the rTSA group showed better survival in terms of the mean 3-year OS than patients in the SHA group (p = 0.04). Conclusion rTSA with devitalized autograft-prosthetic composite can offer a reasonable reconstruction of the shoulder joint after Malawer type I tumor resection. Compared with patients who underwent SHA, patients who underwent rTSA present good outcomes, a better range of motion, better bone union, and no increase in instability rate in the mid-term.

Single-Stage Bilateral Stemless Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty using a Subscapularis-Sparing Approach for Bilateral Dysbaric Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head in a Diver: A Case Report

Introduction: Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) is a specific type of atraumatic osteonecrosis that has been shown to occur mainly in deep-sea divers and workers exposed to increased air pressure environments. The pathophysiology is not entirely understood but is thought to be due to subclinical decompression sickness resulting in arterial gas emboli. This leads to vascular occlusion and subsequent bone death. Case Report: An active 56-year-old male diver presented with progressive bilateral shoulder pain and dysfunction due to bilateral DON of the humeral head and associated posterosuperior rotator cuff tearing. The diagnosis was confirmed by physical examination, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging. Due to failure of conservative treatment, a single-stage bilateral, subscapularis-sparing, stemless shoulder hemiarthroplasty with concomitant rotator cuff repair was performed. At 24-month follow-up, the patient showed satisfactory functional outcomes in both shoulders without complication. Conclusion: This single-stage surgical treatment is an exceptional indication for a bilateral dysbaric humeral head osteonecrosis that can be considered in selected cases because may reduce the total recovery time and can be safe and effective at 24 months postoperatively. Keywords: Dysbaric osteonecrosis, humeral head, rotator cuff.

Pyrocarbon Humeral Head in a Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty: Preliminary Results at 3 Years Follow-Up and Review of the Current Literature

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is a viable option in young patients with an intact rotator cuff in order to preserve the native glenoid. To avoid the dreaded and expected wear of the glenoid in very active shoulders, implants with humeral head coated with a high resistant and elastic material—pyrolytic carbon—are now an option. The authors present the first pyrocarbon coated hemishoulder arthroplasty performed at our Orthopedic Department in a patient with osteonecrosis of the humeral head. At three years of follow-up, the patient is pain free and without limitations in his daily work. The Constant score was applied pre- and postoperatively, and an improvement of 32 points was reported. Larger cohorts with long-term follow-up are required to confirm our promising results.

Shoulder arthroplasty in dwarfism: A case report of pseudoachondroplasia with 17-year follow-up

The purpose of this case report is to report the long-term outcome following shoulder hemiarthroplasty in a patient with dwarfism. A 60-year old female with pseudoachondroplasia dwarfism presented 17 years post-operative with a Subjective Shoulder Value of 90% and minimal pain. Custom designed implants were critical for surgical success. Preoperative planning with a CT scan was important in assessing glenoid dysplasia and determining the feasibility of glenoid resurfacing. The emergence of 3D CT virtual preoperative planning tools can further assist in the recognition of deformity to determine if custom designed implants are needed. Shoulder arthroplasty in dwarfism can lead to excellent long-term outcomes.