Total shoulder arthroplasty using the superior approach: Influence on glenoid loosening and superior migration in the long-term follow-up after Neer II prosthesis installation

Glenoid component loosening and superior humeral translation are common after Neer II total shoulder arthroplasty using the anterior approach. To determine whether the superior approach reduced these complications, we retrospectively reviewed 20 shoulders in 16 patients. Both components were cemented. Patient satisfaction, unweighted Constant score, and imaging studies were evaluated at a mean of 3.5 years and at a mean of 11.1 years. Fourteen patients were satisfied or very satisfied. The mean unweighted Constant score improved from 25/100 preoperatively to 57/100 after 3.5 years and to 51/100 after 11.1 years. Pain relief contrasted with low strength. Radiolucent lines appeared around 95% of glenoid components and 20% of humeral stems. Computed tomography showed severe glenoid osteolysis in 3 of 13 shoulders. Humeral superior translation did not occur. This study confirms the glenoid component fixation issue. The superior approach may reduce the risk of humeral superior translation and radiologic glenoid component loosening.