A Short and Convertible Humeral Stem for Shoulder Arthroplasty: Preliminary Results

IntroductionAs the revision number of shoulder arthroplasties increases, we focused on the difficulties of extracting or converting the humeral stem. The purpose of this multicentric study was to assess the outcomes and the radiographic results of a new, short, and convertible humeral stem (Aequalis Ascend™ Flex, Tornier SAS–Wright Medical Inc®, Bloomington, MN, USA), which could settle these complex revision problems.MethodsSixty-six primary shoulder replacements were enrolled with an average follow-up of 25.6 months (24–30.8 months). There were 24 reversed shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and 42 anatomical shoulder arthroplasty. The functional outcomes were evaluated with the Constant-Murley score (CS) and the active range of motion. Humeral stems were radiologically analyzed at the last follow-up with special care to mechanical complications and bone resorption.ResultsThe average CS improved from 30 preoperatively to 74 postoperatively (P < .0001) for anatomical shoulder replacements and from 21 to 63 (P < ...