The Kessel prosthesis in total shoulder arthroplasty. A five-year experience.

Between 1982 and 1985, 23 Kessel total shoulder arthroplasties were performed on 22 patients. A clinical and roentgenographic review was performed by an independent observer. Three patients had their prostheses removed and three had revision surgery, leaving 17 shoulders in 16 patients available for study, all with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All patients were relieved of pain and noticed a general improvement in activities of daily living. Passive flexion and rotation were increased, but active movements remained unchanged. Roentgenographically, radiolucent zones developed around the scapular component on all patients within one year but only around one of the humeral components. Total shoulder arthroplasties with the Kessel prosthesis in RA relieved pain and improved shoulder and arm function. The long-term results were complicated by a high incidence of loosening of the glenoid component, probably a feature of the constrained design of the Kessel prosthesis.