The Use of Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty and Humeral Head Resurfacing: A Review of Current Concepts

Abstract

Since Neer’s early work in the 1950s shoulder arthroplasty has evolved as a treatment option for various glenohumeral joint disorders. Both hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder prostheses have associated problems. This has led to further work with regards to potential resurfacing, with the aim of accurately restoring native proximal humeral anatomy while preserving bone stock for later procedures if required. Hemiarthroplasty remains a valuable treatment option in the low demand patient or in the trauma setting. Additional work is required to further define the role of humeral resurfacing, with the potential for it to become the gold standard for younger patients with isolated humeral head arthritis.

BACKGROUND

A French surgeon, Paean, was the first to implant a shoulder prosthesis in 1893. It wasn’t until Neer’s work in the 1950s however that shoulder arthroplasty began to truly develop [1]. His early work with proximal humerus fractures provided him with the experience to use the same concepts to treat shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) [1]. Since then a number of prostheses have been developed for a range of specific circumstances.

Stemmed humeral head replacement, either with or without glenoid replacement has a longstanding history of treatment of glenohumeral joint disorders. Much work has recently gone into developing improved stemmed prostheses, whether for the purpose of hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty [2-4]. Both concepts have had their problems, however, with excessive glenoid wear is associated with the hemiarthroplasty and glenoid component loosening in the total shoulder arthroplasty, in particular resulting in mixed outcomes.

Humeral head resurfacing has developed largely as s result of advances in the last two decades in hip resurfacing arthroplasty. First generation prostheses relied on cement to ensure accurate and stable positioning. This was bettered by the development of a central stem combined with a hydroxyapatite ongrowth surface to encourage longer term fixation [5, 6]. More recent implants have been further enhanced with various size and offset options and cruciate stems to attain rotational stability at the time of insertion [7, 8]. This allows for the surgeon to replicate normal anatomy more closely than before.

Humeral head resurfacing allows for preservation of bone stock, especially in younger patients who may need further arthroplasty procedures. In addition, a number of complications more readily associated with stemmed arthroplasty procedures, such as excessive bleeding and humeral fracture, are less frequently observed with resurfacing. If complications arise requiring revision surgery (e.g. glenoid arthrosis or implant failure) the lack of a cemented or ingrown stem and the preservation of proximal humeral bone stock allows for a relatively straightforward conversion to total joint arthroplasty [6]. Furthermore, biomechanical studies have shown resurfacing to have greater capacity for accommodating the individual variability in proximal humeral anatomy. Version, head height and offset can all be accounted for and managed with resurfacing prostheses as opposed to stemmed implants [9-12].

ASSESSMENT

As with all patients in an elective setting, a thorough history and examination is invaluable in order to assess which surgical treatment will offer the best result. Younger patients are more likely to have more complex problems, such as rheumatoid or other systemic inflammatory joint disease, with primary OA being a less frequent cause than in elderly patients. Younger patients may also lead more active life styles with greater functional demands, thus placing increased stress through their implants. Patients’ occupation and hobbies will also have an impact on the choice of treatment. With those under fifty years of age more likely to have AVN or post traumatic arthritis, it is important to delineate the specific anatomical area that is the cause of pain. Usually only one side of the glenohumeral joint will be affected [13, 14]. Preserving the other side will have clear benefits to the patient. Radiographs including axillary view will enable evaluation of the glenoid morphology. It has been shown that eccentric wear on the glenoid results inpoorer outcomes following hemiarthroplasty, with those without glenoid wear exhibiting nearly double the functional improvement noted post operatively in Simple Shoulder Testing [15, 16]. Computed Tomography (CT) scanning may be required if the quality of the glenoid articular surface is in doubt [17, 18]. If undertaking a revision procedure for prolonged pain, it is necessary to exclude deep infection, with routine blood tests (including inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP)) and consider joint aspirate [19].

INDICATIONS

Degenerative or inflammatory damage to the glenohumeral joint may warrant the need for surgical intervention. Primary osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis are the most frequent indications for arthroplasty procedures. Younger patients with more complex pathology, whilst in those over fifty primary OA is the more frequent indication [20]. Unless the patient has suffered a major insult to their rotator cuff, in which case a reverse shoulder replacement may be more appropriate, the surgeon is presented with numerous anatomical replacement options. Resurfacing, hemiarthroplasty, with and without soft tissue glenoid resurfacing, and total shoulder prostheses are all available for use. It is generally accepted that surgical intervention is only indicated once conservative treatment including physical therapy and pharmacological treatments (including both oral agents and intra articular steroids) have been exhausted.

Hemiarthroplasty is a reasonable option in cases of avascular necrosis of the head, without significant glenoid involvement and in rheumatoid arthritis. It is also indicated in the acute setting of proximal humeral fractures that are complex in nature, especially those exhibiting high risk for progressing onto AVN. However, in the elderly patient with significant proximal humeral injury, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is often indicated due to the presence of glenoid wear and poor rotator cuff function.

Humeral resurfacing is best suited to the younger, more active patient whose disease is limited to the humeral head. Osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis and rheumatoid arthritis are frequent indications for humeral resurfacing, providing glenoid morphology is well preserved and the patients is of a suitable age with reasonable bone stock. Rotator cuff arthropathy (with stable biomechanics) and posttraumatic arthritis are also commonly treated with resurfacing arthroplasty. While increasing age is not a contraindication, its impact on the quality of bone should be taken into account. The subchondral surface should be able to support >60% of the implant [6, 21, 22]. An intact subscapularis tendon should be present in order to attain anterior stability. If the subscapularis is deficient, the pectoralis major muscle can be transferred in its place [5].

RESULTS

Since Neer’s work in the 1970s various authors have demonstrated noticeable improvements in pain and functional measures following shoulder hemiarthroplasty [23-27]. It has been noted however that these results are dependent on the extent of glenoid wear, intact rotator cuff and reasonable adherence with post operative rehabilitation regimens. A recent Cochrane review reported that significant clinical and functional improvements are seen in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty surgery for joint degeneration, in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score [2, 3]. It is worth noting that outcomes for hemiarthroplasty are comparable with those in primary total shoulder arthroplasty in terms of pain, though functional improvement is greater following primary total shoulder arthroplasty. Revision rates and quality of life indicators are also comparable to that of total shoulder prostheses [4]. The efficacy of hemiarthroplasty, when used in the correct setting, is favorable, but should be used with caution in those with high functional demands.

Results of resurfacing arthroplasty compare favourably to those following stemmed prostheses. Levy and Copeland reported their mid-term results of 103 joints in 94 patients, demonstrating a mean Constant score of 93.7% in those undergoing total joint replacement with head resurfacing, and 73.5% for those undergoing resurfacing hemiarthroplasty, in patients with primary OA [6]. Inferior results were seen in those who had cuff arthropathy or post-traumatic arthropathy with mean Constant scores at a mean of 6.8 years of 61.3% and 62.7% respectively. In a further series, Levy and Copeland reported improved Constant functional scores from a mean of 33.8% to 94% for total shoulder replacement with resurfacing and from 40% to 90% following resurfacing hemiarthroplasty, at a mean of 7.6 and 4.4 years respectively [21]. A further study of humeral resurfacing in 36 patients under fifty also revealed positive outcomes with VAS scores decreasing from 75 to 13 post operatively. Revision rates for the Copeland resurfacing prosthesis have been quoted between 0-3.0% [21, 22], with the main indication for revision being implant loosening. Longer term results have been reported in 74 shoulders in 61 patients at a minumum of 20 years [28]. Prosthesis survival was reported as 96%, with 95% patient satisfaction. Revision rate was 7/74 cases (9.4%).

In the coming years results from a range of other implants at mid- and long-term are likely to be reported. At present there is a lack of prospective, randomised, comparative studies examining the results of resurfacing arthroplasty compared with other procdures e.g. total shoulder arthroplasty with stemmed prostheses. This should become the focus for future clinical studies.

COMPLICATIONS

Prosthetic loosening is one of the more troublesome issues for shoulder surgeons, usually requiring revision surgery. Its prevalence is less of an issue with regards to hemiarthroplasty and hemiresurfacing of the shoulder as it is predominantly the glenoid implant in total joint arthroplasty procedures which are problematic [29, 30]. Humeral component loosening is more common in total shoulder replacements when compared to hemiarthroplasty [31]. Lucent lines of >2mm in thickness or evidence of subsidence are considered significant, and clinical correlation is required before revision surgery is considered.

Glenohumeral instability may occur as a result of soft tissue deficiency or laxity, or component malpositioning, wear, or incorrect sizing. Anterior instability is more common, accounting for 80% of instability after shoulder arthroplasty [32]. Instability can be multifactorial. Soft tissues such as subscapularis and anterior capsule abnormalities can have a detrimental effect as can a humeral implant that is over sized, placed anteriorly or in improper retroversion (<20°) [33].

Humeral periprosthetic fracture is observed either at the time of implantation or following the postoperative period. Osteoporosis, female sex, increased age and increased falls risk all lead to a higher probability of a periprosthetic fracture [34]. Fractures are classified according to the system devised by Wright and Cofield [35] (Table 1). Conservative treatment is usually indicated for type C and long spiral or oblique fracture patterns. Type A and short type B fractures frequently require surgical intervention, with internal fixation, with or without implant exchange, generally required.

Table 1.

Periprosthetic Humeral Fractures Classification System (Humeral Fractures After Shoulder Arthroplasty. JBJS Am 77: 1340-1346)

Insufficient cuff repair/fixation, mal-rotation of humeral implant and multiple surgical procedures may all lead to potential rotator cuff problems. If cuff pathology exists, it is likely to reduce the life of the implant due to asymmetric loading and increased wear [36-38]. Postoperative deep infection, whilst rare, can be a devastating complication. Rates for infection are reported as less than 1% in primary resurfacing procedures [6, 29]. In shoulder arthroplasty in general, infection rates at 10 and 20 years have been reported as 1.5% and 2.8% respectively, with males and younger patients at greater risk [39] Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism. The risk of infection is greater in those with immunosuppression, diabetes, systemic inflammatory or autoimmune disease, intra-articular injections and poor nutrition [40]. Most superficial wound infections settle with systemic antibiotic therapy. Persistent deep infection, in those with raised acute phase reactants and a positive joint aspirate confirming the diagnosis, usually requires revision surgery [41].

In both hemiarthroplasty and hemiresurfacing, glenoid wear is known to be a significant cause of poor outcome. Implant survival rates have been described as low as 82% and 75% after 10 and 20 years respectively [26]. In a further study, a meta-analysis of over 2000 patients, quoted the revision rate to be 10.2% [42]. This is compared to a 6.5% revision rate for total shoulder arthroplasties. This has led to many authors favoring a total shoulder prosthesis over that of a hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of glenohumeral disorders [3, 43]. Biological glenoid resurfacing is gaining popularity, but early results show a trend that suggests glenoid wear is not prevented by soft tissue interposition[44]. Many argue that the greater chance for reconstitution of normal proximal humerus anatomy after resurfacing leads it to lesser risk of progressive glenoid wear.

CONCLUSION

Recent resurfacing results have been reported to equal those of the more conventional hemiarthroplasty procedures [6]. Humeral resurfacing confers considerable advantages in terms of to preservation of bone stock, enabling restoration of glenohumeral anatomy, and relative ease of revision surgery, when compared to a stemmed prosthesis. For now total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty remains the procedure of choice for many upper limb surgeons treating glenohumeral joint disease. Hemiarthroplasty is in general reserved for those patients who will not look to exceed the post operative function that the implant is capable of. Younger patients who are likely to require 2 or more implants should be considered for resurfacing arthoplasty to preserve bone stock and enable relatively straightforward revision surgery. In the coming years, longer term prospective, comparative data will allow surgeons to make more informed choices regarding the ideal implant for their patients.

ABBREVIATIONS

ASES

 = American shoulder and elbow surgeons score

AVN

 = Avascular necrosis

CRP

 = C reactive protein

CT

 = Computed tomography

ESR

 = Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

OA

 = Osteoarthritis

RA

 = Rheumatoid arthritis

VAS

 = Visual analogue scale

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors confirm that this article content has no conflict of interest.