Hemiarthroplasty Is an Option for Patients Older Than 70 Years With Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis.

Hemiarthroplasty (HA) of the shoulder has several potential advantages over total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), particularly in the elderly population. This study reviewed long-term results of HA and TSA in patients older than 70 years with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. During a 30-year period, 403 shoulders had undergone HA (n=74) or TSA (n=329) for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Outcome measures included pain, range of motion, and postoperative modified Neer ratings. All patients were included in the mortality and revision analyses. A total of 289 shoulders (44 HAs and 245 TSAs; mean patient age, 75 years) with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up or follow-up until revision were included. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, abduction, and external rotation. No significant differences were detected between groups in postoperative pain, range of motion, or modified Neer ratings. Operative time was significantly lower in the HA group. There was no statistically significant difference detected in implant revision-free survival between TSA and HA (hazard ratio, 3.09) or in overall survival hazard ratio. At long-term follow-up, both HAs and TSAs provided good function in the elderly population. Patients who underwent TSA and patients who underwent HA had similar results, but the latter had a shorter operative time and lower revision rate. Hemiarthroplasty is a reasonable option for patients older than 70 years with end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(4):222-228.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.