Management of intraoperative posterior decentering in shoulder arthroplasty using anteriorly eccentric humeral head components

Jason E. Hsu, Albert O. Gee, Robert M. Lucas, Jeremy S. Somerson, Winston J. Warme, Frederick A. Matsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Posterior humeral decentering presents a challenge in glenohumeral arthroplasty. Soft tissue releases and osteophyte resection can lead to intraoperative decentering not evident preoperatively. Inferior outcomes result if decentering is not addressed as a part of the arthroplasty. When there is >50% posterior subluxation of the humeral head on passive elevation of the arm at surgery, we have used an anteriorly eccentric humeral head component to improve centering of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid. Methods We reviewed the 2-year outcomes for 33 shoulder arthroplasties in which anteriorly eccentric humeral heads were used to manage posterior decentering identified at surgery. Rotator interval plication was performed in 16 cases as an adjunctive stabilizing procedure. Shoulders were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Radiographic centering was characterized before surgery and at follow-up on standardized axillary radiographs with the arm held in a position of functional elevation. Results With the anteriorly eccentric head component, preoperative radiographic humeral decentering was reduced from 10.4% ± 7.9% to 0.9% ± 2.3% postoperatively (P < .001). SST scores improved from 4.8 ± 2.3 to 10.0 ± 2.3 (P < .001). Preoperative posterior humeral head decentering did not correlate with preoperative glenoid version. Glenoid retroversion was 19.8° ± 8.9° preoperatively and 15.5° ± 7.5° postoperatively. Conclusions Posterior decentering identified at surgery when standard trial components are in place can be addressed by replacing the anatomic humeral head with an anteriorly eccentric humeral head component.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1980-1988
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Volume25
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Eccentric humeral head
  • functional decentering
  • posterior decentering
  • ream and run
  • rotator interval plication
  • total shoulder arthroplasty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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