Outcome assessment of hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder: a 5-year follow-up with 4 evaluation tools.

Background: Outcome measurement of shoulder arthroplasty is not standardized. We compared 3 scores and 1 evaluation form.

Patients And Methods: We report on 35 hemiarthroplasties of the shoulder (32 cementless). Mean age of the patients was 62 (29-87) years. After a mean follow-up of 6 years (range 2-18 years) patients were evaluated with the Neer score, the Constant-Murley score, the score of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Basic Shoulder Evaluation Form. We also performed radiographic evaluation and sonographic evaluation of the rotator cuff.

Results: Although pain relief and patient satisfaction were promising, the overall results of the respective score showed low values (Neer score 56/100 points, Constant-Murley score 43/100 points, and UCLA score 19/35 points on average).

Interpretation: We recommend choice of a score with a high impact of pain and patient satisfaction. Furthermore, ability to cope with activities of daily living should be of more importance than strength.