Humeral Head Osteonecrosis: Outcomes of Hemiarthroplasty After Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up

Objective To analyze long-term functional and radiographic results of partial shoulder replacement for humeral head osteonecrosis. Methods Retrospective review of thirteen cases, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 17 years (range 10 to 26 years). The findings from the last follow-up were compared to those in which the patients had one year of postoperative follow-up. Functional assessment consisted of shoulder movement measurements and application of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score. All patients underwent radiographic examination to measure glenoid erosion, proximal humeral migration and lateral glenohumeral dislocation. Results Glenoid erosion increased over time significantly ( p < 0.05). Paradoxically, all active shoulder movements also improved ( p < 0.05), while UCLA scores remained the same. Radiographic deterioration was not correlated with clinical function. We had an 84.7% survival rate for arthroplasties after a mean time of 16 years. Conclusions Early functional outcomes were maintained in the long run and do not correlate with radiographic deterioration (increased erosion of the glenoid).