Evaluation of Total Shoulder Joint Replacement in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Twenty total shoulder joint replacements were performed in 17 patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age of the patients was 53 years and the female to male ratio was 3:1. The indication for surgery was disabling pain and limited function. The prosthesis used was non-constrained and modular with cementing of both glenoid and humeral components. At an average follow up period of 9 months, there was significant pain relief in 19 shoulders (95%) whereas the gain in the range of motion was moderate. The average improvement in the Constant score was 33 points. Radiological analysis showed non-progressive lucency in 8 glenoid components less than 1mm.