Shoulder Arthroplasty for Cuff Deficiency: Indications, Technique, and Results

Cuff-tear arthropathy is a progressive and often disabling pathologic process affecting the shoulder. With a growing elderly population, the incidence is increasing. Initial treatment is conservative; however, when conservative treatment fails then surgery is indicated. To date, the best results for the surgical treatment of cuff-tear arthropathy appear to be for patients treated with hemiarthroplasty. This report reviews our use of hemiarthroplasty with extended-coverage humeral head prosthesis in the surgical management of cuff-tear arthropathy.