LIMITED RECOMMENDATION Two retrospective comparative studies demonstrate a decreased rate of dislocation/subluxation, improved shoulder range-of-motion, and decreased reoperation rates with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared to hemiarthroplasty. One study demonstrated decreased local tumor recurrence in the reverse arthroplasty group as well. Careful consideration of anatomy involved in resection and harboring metastatic disease (glenoid, deltoid insertion/muscle, axillary nerve) as well as patient-centric factors should be used to guide appropriate selection of technique.
Future research should involve cohort or randomized studies between hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in comparable patient populations to evaluate range-of-motion, instability, reoperation rates, and pain between the two reconstructive techniques.
- Houdek, M. T., Bukowski, B. R., Athey, A. G., Elhassan, B. T., Barlow, J. D., Morrey, M. E., Rose, P. S., Wagner, E. R., Sanchez-Sotelo, J. Comparison of reconstructive techniques following oncologic intraarticular resection of proximal humerus. Journal of Surgical Oncology 2021; 1: 133-140
- Grosel, T. W., Plummer, D. R., Everhart, J. S., Kirven, J. C., Ziegler, C. L., Mayerson, J. L., Scharschmidt, T. J., Barlow, J. D. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides stability and better function than hemiarthroplasty following resection of proximal humerus tumors. Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery 2019; 11: 2147-2152