TOTAL SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY WITH THE NEER PROSTHESIS - LONG-TERM RESULTS

We determined the outcome of 113 total shoulder replacement arthroplas ties performed with a Neer prosthesis between 1975 and 1981. The opera tions were performed For the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid a rthritis, and old fractures or dislocations with traumatic arthritis. The probability of implant survival was 93% after 10 years and 87% aft er 15 years. Complications requiring reoperation developed in 14 shoul ders. Seventy-nine patients with 89 replacements were available for fo llow-up a minimum of 5 years after the operation (mean 72.2 years, ran ge 5 to 77 years). Relief from moderate or severe pain was achieved in 83% of shoulders. Active abduction improved by an average of 40 degre es to an average of 117 degrees. The amount of elevation that was rega ined was related to the amount of rotator cuff disease. Seventy-five g lenoid components developed bone-cement radiolucencies, and 39 (44%) g lenoid components had radiographic evidence of definite loosening. Gle noid loosening was associated with pain. A shift in position of the hu meral component occurred in 49% of the press-fit stems and in none of the cemented stems. Humeral component loosening was not associated wit h pain.