Outcome of stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty revision

Introduction We report our experience of revision of failed stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty for causes other than infection. Material/method Seventeen revisions were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Fifteen cases were revised for symptomatic glenoid erosion. Sixteen were revised to a total shoulder arthroplasty and one to a cuff tear arthropathy head. Result The mean visual analogue pain score following revision surgery was reduced from 6.7 to 3.2 ( P = 0.008). However the Constant–Murley and the Association of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores failed to improve significantly. Conclusion We conclude that revision surgery for failed stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty improves pain but not function.