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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty (Partial Shoulder Replacement)
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is partial shoulder replacement surgery where only the humeral head (ball) is replaced with a metal prosthesis while leaving the natural glenoid (socket) intact - it is primarily used for complex proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients and avascular necrosis of the humeral head with healthy glenoid cartilage - however, modern practice is shifting toward reverse total shoulder replacement for most indications because hemiarthroplasty outcomes are less predictable, with 30-40% developing progressive glenoid erosion and persistent pain requiring conversion to total shoulder replacement within 10 years.
📖What is Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty (Partial Shoulder Replacement)?
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is partial shoulder replacement surgery where only the humeral head (ball) is replaced with a metal prosthesis while leaving the natural glenoid (socket) intact - it is primarily used for complex proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients and avascular necrosis of the humeral head with healthy glenoid cartilage - however, modern practice is shifting toward reverse total shoulder replacement for most indications because hemiarthroplasty outcomes are less predictable, with 30-40% developing progressive glenoid erosion and persistent pain requiring conversion to total shoulder replacement within 10 years.
🔬What Causes It?
- Complex proximal humerus fractures (3-4 parts) in elderly patients not reconstructable with screws/plates
- Avascular necrosis (AVN) of humeral head with intact healthy glenoid cartilage
- Severely comminuted humeral head fractures from trauma or fracture-dislocations
- Failed fracture fixation with humeral head collapse or non-union
⚠️Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Age over 65 years (proximal humerus fractures common, poor bone quality for fixation)
- Osteoporosis (increased fracture risk, difficult to fix with screws)
- Chronic steroid use (increases AVN risk)
- Alcohol abuse, sickle cell disease (AVN risk factors)
- Previous shoulder trauma or surgery
🛡️Prevention
- ✓Treat osteoporosis (reduces proximal humerus fracture risk)
- ✓Fall prevention strategies in elderly (home modifications, vision correction, medication review)
- ✓Avoid excessive alcohol (reduces AVN risk and fall risk)
- ✓Manage risk factors for AVN (steroid use, sickle cell disease)
- ✓Early treatment of shoulder injuries (prevents post-traumatic arthritis)