Sex-related differences in stemless total shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The use of stemless humeral implants for shoulder arthroplasty is becoming increasingly widespread. However, little is known about the difference in clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of stemless shoulder arthroplasty between men and women. Men and women do have reported differences in size, strength, and bone quality. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate sex-related differences in outcomes when using stemless humeral implants. METHODS: A retrospective review of 227 patients (men = 143 and women = 84) undergoing stemless shoulder arthroplasty was compared for sex-related differences. Clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes were compared, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, visual analog scale pain scores, range of motion, radiolucencies, operative data, implant data, and complications. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Preoperatively, men had a statistically significant greater range of motion of forward elevation (P < .01), external rotation (ER) at adduction (P = .04), ER at 90° abduction (P = .03), and baseline ASES scores (P < .01). At 2 years, there were no differences between men and women in ASES score (P = .12), visual analog scale pain score (P = .74), active ER (P = .98), implant migration, or radiolucencies (P > .99). Mean operating time was 9 minutes longer in male patients (P < .01). There was no significant difference in surgical complications, including dislocation, fracture, infection, or loosening. The three-year revision-free survival was 98.8% for women and 97.9% for men. CONCLUSION: Patient sex is not predictive of postoperative functional outcomes after stemless shoulder arthroplasty. The operative time was significantly shorter in female patients, and there was no significant difference in surgical complications between men and women.