We report our experience of revision of failed stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty for causes other than infection.
Seventeen revisions were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Fifteen cases were revised for symptomatic glenoid erosion. Sixteen were revised to a total shoulder arthroplasty and one to a cuff tear arthropathy head.
The mean visual analogue pain score following revision surgery was reduced from 6.7 to 3.2 (P = 0.008). However the Constant-Murley and the Association of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores failed to improve significantly.
We conclude that revision surgery for failed stemmed shoulder hemi-arthroplasty improves pain but not function.