Total shoulder arthroplasty with a tissue-ingrowth glenoid component

A newly designed, uncemented, tissue-ingrowth glenoid component with a porous surface was used in association with the Neer humeral head prosthesis for 32 total shoulder arthroplasties in 29 patients. The diagnoses for the shoulders were osteoarthritis in 17, rheumatoid arthritis in eight, and traumatic arthritis in seven. Follow-up evaluations averaged 51 months (range, 29 to 80 months). Five complications occurred, necessitating four reoperations: two for glenoid component dissociation, one for humeral loosening, and one for infection. Little or no pain was experienced after the operation in 27 (96%) of the 28 shoulders that required no additional surgery. Average active abduction was 145°, average external rotation was 59°, and median internal rotation was to 112. Three glenoid components had probable loosening on radiographic examination. Eight shoulders had some degree of instability; a complication related to the glenoid component (polyethylene dissociation) or probable loosening not yet requiring reoperation developed in four of these ( p < 0.02). These data support the continuing use of an uncemented, tissue-ingrowth glenoid component in arthritic shoulders with adequate bone support. Joint instability must be avoided to lessen complications and the need for revision surgery.