Shoulder arthroplasty in patients younger than 50 years: minimum 20-year follow-up

Background Little information is available on the long-term outcome of shoulder arthroplasty in young patients. The purpose of this study was to report the results, complications, and revision rate of total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs) in patients younger than 50 years at a minimum 20-year follow-up. Materials and methods Between 1976 and 1985, a single surgeon performed 78 Neer hemiarthroplasties (HAs) and 36 Neer TSAs in patients < 50 years. Fifty-six HAs and 19 TSAs with a minimum 20-year follow-up, or follow-up until reoperation, were analyzed for clinical, radiographic and survivorship outcomes. Results Both HA and TSA showed significant improvements in pain scores ( P