Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy with Prosthetic Replacement of Humeral Head

Shin, Sung Ryong; Kim, Do Young; Park, Yong Wook; Lee, Sang Soo; Jeong, Un Seob; Koo, Hyun Min

Abstract

PURPOSE
To assess the effectiveness of a prosthetic replacement of the humeral head in rotator cuff tear arthropathy patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
11 patients underwent a prosthetic replacement of the humeral head for rotator cuff tear arthropathy between 1997 and 2003. The average age was 69 years and 9 out of the 11 patients were women. The average follow-up was 44 months. The level of pain, daily activities, range of motion and patient's satisfaction were assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively.
RESULTS
The mean pain score decreased from 9.0 preoperatively to 2.2 postoperatively. The mean active forward elevation increased from 40o to 82o and the mean external rotation increased from 8.2o to 30o. The mean ASES score improved from 22 to 72. Nine patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome, particularly in terms of pain relief and the improvement in their daily activities.
CONCLUSION
A prosthetic replacement of the humeral head is an effective treatment option for pain relief as well as for improving the functional activity in rotator cuff tear arthropathy.