Revisions of total shoulder arthroplasty: Clinical results and complications of various modalities

IntroductionThe number of primary total shoulder arthroplasties has increased exponentially in recent years, with a corresponding increase in the number of revision procedures.ObjectiveTo assess clinical results and complications in a series of shoulder implant replacement, of whatever etiology.Materials and methodsThirty-seven patients, with a mean age of 68.3 ± 11.8 years at time of implant replacement, were included in a retrospective study. Mean interval between primary arthroplasty and revision was 78.4 ± 59.7 months (range, 1–200 months). The main assessment criterion was changed in Constant score between preoperative value and follow-up. Secondary criteria were: onset of intra- and postoperative complications, and reoperation related to a complication.ResultsMean follow-up was 41.5 ± 32.0 months (range, 12–105 months). Absolute Constant score increased by a mean 17.5 ± 15.1 points (P < 0.001) and weighted Constant score by 26.3 ± 23.6 points (P < 0.001). Intraoperative complications occurred in 24.3% of patients (9/37) and postoperative complications in 29.7% (11/37). Among the patients, 21.6% (8/37) required reoperation for postoperative complications. Overall, 54% of patients (20/37) suffered from intra- or postoperative complications.ConclusionShoulder implant replacement improved function in the present series, but with a high rate of complications and reoperations.Level of evidenceIV, retrospective case-control study without control group.