Humeral Replacement with Cuff Deficiency: A Helmet Head Solution

Arthritic processes about the shoulder predictably involve disease both to the bony elements and to the soft tissues about the joint. Although there are many options available for the surgical management of shoulder arthritis, the exact type of shoulder replacement depends on both the bone status and the soft tissue status. For the patient with glenohumeral arthritis and a massive and irreparable cuff tear who retains an intact and functional coracoacromial arch, a cuff tear arthropathy type of prosthetic replacement provides predictable relief of pain while allowing significant improvement in function.