Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Alkaptonuric Shoulder: Case Presentation, Review of Literature, and Technical Considerations

IMPORTANCE: Alkaptonuric shoulder arthropathy is a challenging clinical entity in arthroplasty. In this report, we describe an atypical presentation, technical considerations, a literature review, and some recommendations of significant benefits to shoulder surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The author’s objective in this report is to illustrate the deleterious metabolic effects of ochronosis on cartilage and the development of early arthritis. DESIGN: This is a case report study, done in May 2021. SETTING: Middle East, Jordan. INTRODUCTION: Alkaptonuria is a metabolic disease of amino acid metabolism that can affect multiple organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system manifestations usually involve the spine, knee, and, uncommonly, the shoulder. Tissue ochronosis caused by alkaptonuria can cause significant damage to the joint and surrounding soft tissue envelope. In this case, we presented a patient who has end-stage glenohumeral arthritis and rotator cuff arthropathy secondary to ochronosis. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we present a 42-year-old male patient who presented to the clinic with severe right shoulder pain and limitations of the range of motion, especially with abduction. The patient underwent radiographic assessment, which showed a rotator cuff arthropathy combined with advanced degenerative changes of the right glenohumeral joint. The patient underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. After the surgery and on follow-up later on for a period of one year and after a period of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, the patient showed remarkable improvement in the pain and range of motion. CONCLUSION: Alkaptonuria can have a detrimental effect on the articular cartilage and the surrounding soft tissue envelope, which might manifest clinically as early degenerative arthritis changes in a young adult patient. Shoulder involvement is extremely rare and can manifest with substantial injury to the glenohumeral joint; whenever such extensive damage is present, shoulder arthroplasty is the best treatment.