Outcomes of hemi-shoulder arthroplasty using pyrocarbon implants for type B glenoids at a follow-up of 3 to 12 years

Purpose To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of hemi-shoulder arthroplasty (HSA) using pyrocarbon in patients with type B glenoids at a minimum follow-up of three years. Methods The authors retrieved the records of 21 patients with type B glenoids that underwent HSA with a pyrocarbon humeral head. Patients underwent radiological assessment, and clinical assessment including Constant score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and pain on VAS at a minimum follow-up of three years. Results The 21 patients that underwent HSA using pyrocarbon humeral heads comprised 15 males, aged 58.0 ± 10.5. The preoperative axial glenoid morphology was B1 in 12 shoulders, B2 in eight, and B3 in one. One patient required conversion to RSA 1.5 years after the index surgery. At a minimum follow-up of three years (range: 3–12), Constant score was 84.9 ± 7.7 (range: 73–97), and SSV 87.0 ± 8.2 (range: 70–95). Radiological analysis indicated an improvement in subluxation from 69.9% ± 6.3 to 55.2% ± 4.3. There was progression of glenoid wear in six patients. Conclusion At a follow-up from 3 to 12 years, HSA using pyrocarbon in patients with type B glenoids grant satisfactory clinical outcomes with minimal glenoid wear. Furthermore, there was recentering of the humeral head observed through the decrease in subluxation.