Long-term follow-up of the Copeland mark III shoulder resurfacing hemi-arthroplasty.

Background: Shoulder humeral resurfacing is being performed in increasing numbers. We report the long-term outcome of patients with the Copeland mark III humeral resurfacing hemi-arthroplasty.

Methods: Ninety-five shoulder hemi-arthroplasties were performed in 85 patients, from 1994 to 2003. Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and short form 12 (SF-12) questionnaires were administered.

Results: At 12-year follow-up, 49 patients were alive. The OSS was 35.2 and SF-12 score was 83. There were 3 revision operations and 95% survivorship at 18 years.

Conclusion: This prosthesis has a low revision rate with few post-operative complications and good patient-reported outcome in an elderly population.