Humeral Resurfacing Arthroplasty: Clinical, Functional and Radiological Assessment at a Mean Follow-Up of 11 Years

Abstract

Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) entails the substitution of the articular surface alone with a prosthetic cap without a humeral stem. It is a more conservative procedure which can be easily converted in a total (anatomical or reverse) arthroplasty, if necessary. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographical outcomes in a series of patients treated with HRA by a single surgeon. Thirty-three patients with a mean follow-up of 11 years were clinically (Constant score; disability of the arm, shoulder and hand score, DASH) and radiographically assessed before and after surgery. The Constant and DASH scores improved significantly after surgery, and only two cases needed revision surgery. HRA represents a valid therapeutic option in selected cases to improve the quality of life and prevents the need for more invasive procedures.