Conversion of Glenohumeral Fusion to Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Scapulothoracic Pain: Case Report and Surgical Technique

There are several references in the hip and knee literature that mention converting fusions to a prosthetic total arthroplasty, but similar reports of total shoulder arthroplasty after glenohumeral fusion are lacking. The indication for conversion of a glenohumeral arthrodesis to a total shoulder arthroplasty is persistent periscapular pain refractory to conservative treatment. The purpose of the following article is to describe the preoperative plan and surgical technique in the conversion of a glenohumeral fusion to a total shoulder arthroplasty in single case of protracted scapulothoracic pain.