revision of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty to hemiarthroplasty: does it work?

Background: the projected increase in revision shoulder arthroplasty has increased interest in the outcomes of these procedures. glenoid component removal and conversion to a hemiarthroplasty (ha) is an option for aseptic glenoid loosening after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (atsa). methods: we identified patients who had undergone revision shoulder arthroplasty over a 15-year period. 17 patientsmet inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a retrospective chart review was conducted for pre-surgical and operative data. we contacted patients at a mean follow-up of 70 months from revision surgery for implant survival, reoperations and functional outcomes scores. results: implant survival was estimated to be 88% at 2 years and 67% at 5 years. mean ases score for surviving implants was 58 ± 22. mean sane score was 54 ± 24, and mean vas pain score was 3.5 ± 2.8. mean sf-12 mental and physical scores were 46 ± 15 and 38 ± 10, respectively. five patients (50% of those with surviving implants) reported being either very satisfied or satisfied with the status of their shoulder. there were complications in 6 patients (35%) and 5 patients (29%) required reoperation. conclusion: ha following failed atsa due to glenoid loosening produced modest clinical results and satisfaction rates. reverse arthroplasty may be a more reliable treatment strategy in this patient population.