The role of eccentric and offset humeral head variations in total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Humeral head variations were developed based on anatomic and biomechanical advantages; however, the effect of this expanded prosthetic inventory has yet to be investigated clinically. This study seeks to determine whether prosthetic variety has led to better outcomes, has led to similar outcomes facilitating joint reconstruction, or created any unanticipated complications. Methods One hundred sixty primary total shoulder arthroplasties were performed for osteoarthritis. Patients received 52 standard, 60 eccentric, and 48 offset humeral heads. Head geometry was selected intraoperatively during trialing based on a complementing relationship to the glenoid throughout a near-normal range of motion. Patients had 2 years of follow-up or follow-up until reoperation (mean, 4.7 years; range, 0.8-8.3 years). Results Mean pain scores decreased from 4.5 to 1.9 on a 5-point scale ( P P Conclusions Evolution of designs has provided options to more accurately re-create anatomy including changes caused by osteoarthritis. At the length of follow-up in this study, clinical outcomes, radiographic performance, and survivorship are equivalent when applying these humeral head variations, and no special complications have developed.