Stress shielding of the humerus in press-fit anatomic shoulder arthroplasty: review and recommendations for evaluation

Uncemented press-fit humeral stems were developed with the goal of decreasing operative time, preserving bone stock, and easing revision. In recent years, short stems and stemless humeral implants have also become available. These press-fit humeral implants have varying designs that can lead to changes in stress distribution in the proximal humerus. Such stress shielding manifests as bony adaptations and may affect long-term functional outcome and the ability to perform revision. However, current studies of humeral fixation during total shoulder arthroplasty are complicated because a variety of classification systems have been used to report findings.

Source: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - February 5, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Patrick J. Denard, Patric Raiss, Reuben Gobezie, T. Bradley Edwards, Evan Lederman Tags: Review Article Source Type: research