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Artroplastia total de hombro

Total shoulder replacement for severe arthritis — stemless options if rotator cuff is intact.

Updated Sep 2026
Ilustración de una persona con el brazo apoyado en un cabestrillo, mientras un fisioterapeuta ajusta la correa.
El reemplazo total de hombro consiste en fijar una esfera metálica al hueso del brazo y anclar una cavidad de plástico al omóplato, reproduciendo así la forma natural de articulación esférica. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página se tradujo automáticamente y todavía no la ha revisado un médico. La versión en inglés es la versión oficial.

¿Por qué se ha recomendado esta operación?

El Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirujano de extremidad superior en el Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, comienza por proponer las opciones menos invasivas que se adapten a su condición. Por lo general, los pacientes son derivados a nuestra clínica por su médico de cabecera; si un fisioterapeuta le ha sugerido que nos consulte, igualmente necesitará una derivación de su médico de cabecera para poder acceder al reembolso de Medicare. Una evaluación clínica, que incluye su historia clínica, un examen físico y estudios de imagen si es necesario, permite establecer el diagnóstico. En problemas derivados del desgaste, como la artritis (en la cual el cartílago que recubre la articulación se desgasta), normalmente probamos primero tratamientos no quirúrgicos: modificación de actividades, fisioterapia y uso de férulas. Solo consideramos la cirugía cuando estos tratamientos no logran mejorías suficientes.

La artroplastia total de hombro consiste en el reemplazo de la articulación del hombro: se extraen las superficies desgastadas de dicha articulación y se sustituyen por piezas artificiales. La recomendamos cuando el dolor y la rigidez en el hombro limitan su vida cotidiana y otros tratamientos no han sido lo suficientemente eficaces. El objetivo de la operación es aliviar el dolor y mejorar el movimiento y la funcionalidad del hombro. En aproximadamente el 90% al 95% de los pacientes sometidos a esta intervención, el dolor se reduce significativamente. Más del 80% de las prótesis de hombro duran más de 10 años, y el 75% superan los 20 años de uso. El reemplazo de hombro se considera tan seguro como otros reemplazos de articulaciones mayores. Conversaremos con usted sobre todas las opciones disponibles y decidiremos conjuntamente si esta operación es adecuada para su hombro y para sus objetivos.

Antes de la operación

Su cirujano planificará la intervención basándose en radiografías de su hombro; a veces también se utiliza una resonancia magnética (un estudio que muestra los tejidos blandos) o una ecografía (un estudio que emplea ondas sonoras). Estas imágenes revelan la forma de la articulación, el grado de desgaste y el estado de los tendones que la rodean. Esta información permite al cirujano seleccionar los componentes de prótesis adecuados para su hombro.

En los días previos a la cirugía, recibirá instrucciones claras que deberá seguir. Deberá dejar de ingerir alimentos y líquidos siete horas antes de la operación; este intervalo prolongado nos permite adelantar su intervención si el programa quirúrgico lo requiere. Es posible que deba suspender algunos medicamentos; su cirujano le indicará cuáles y cuándo hacerlo. Lleve consigo una lista por escrito de todos los fármacos que toma, incluyendo pastillas, gotas y remedios naturales. Organice que alguien lo lleve a casa, ya que no podrá conducir por sí mismo. Use ropa holgada y cómoda, fácil de poner y quitar. Si padece otras enfermedades, es posible que necesite realizarse análisis de sangre o una consulta con el anestesista (el médico encargado de administrar la anestesia) antes del día de la cirugía.

El día de la intervención

Llegará a la unidad de admisiones quirúrgicas del hospital, donde se le registrará y preparará para la cirugía. Antes de la operación, conocerá al anestesista y conversarán sobre el plan de tratamiento. Esta intervención se realiza bajo anestesia general combinada con un bloqueo nervioso regional. El anestesista se reunirá con usted previamente para explicarle ambos componentes del procedimiento. Posteriormente, será llevado al quirófano, donde se llevará a cabo la operación.

Al despertar, se encontrará en la sala de recuperación. Las enfermeras lo vigilarán mientras la anestesia va desapareciendo. Una vez que su estado sea estable, será trasladado a la planta de hospitalización o podrá volver a casa ese mismo día, según el tipo de intervención y cómo evolucione su recuperación. Si regresa a casa, la persona designada para conducirlo lo llevará allí.

Descripción del procedimiento quirúrgico

El cirujano realiza una única incisión en la parte anterior del hombro para acceder a la articulación. A través de esta abertura, se extirpan las superficies articulares desgastadas: la parte redondeada en la parte superior del hueso del brazo y la cavidad poco profunda contra la cual se mueve. Estas se sustituyen por piezas artificiales de metal y plástico, adaptadas a la forma de la propia articulación del paciente.

Un tendón situado delante de la articulación, el subescapular (una unidad músculo-tendinosa que ayuda a rotar el brazo hacia adentro), se desplaza suavemente para permitir el acceso y, al finalizar la intervención, se vuelve a fijar en su posición original. Durante todo el proceso, el cirujano cuida de proteger los tejidos blandos circundantes y de colocar las nuevas piezas con precisión.

Una vez colocadas las piezas nuevas y reparado el tendón, se cierra la herida. En primer lugar, se coloca sobre ella una malla autoadhesiva fina que mantiene unidos los bordes de la piel. Posteriormente, se aplica un adhesivo cutáneo líquido sobre dicha malla; este se solidifica y sella por completo la herida. Este material permanece en su sitio durante una o dos semanas y, luego, se desprende por sí solo, sin necesidad de retirarlo.

Después de la operación

Al despertar, se encontrará en la sala de recuperación y luego será trasladado a la planta de hospitalización. La mayoría de los pacientes permanecen una noche en el hospital tras esta operación, aunque algunos pueden volver a casa el mismo día. Para su comodidad, el brazo se mantendrá en un cabestrillo sencillo; este se retira para realizar ejercicios y para lavarse. Se planifica el control del dolor antes de que abandone el quirófano, y el equipo médico seguirá supervisando su estado y ajustando el tratamiento según sea necesario. Dejamos el vendaje puesto durante unos 10 días; por favor, no lo retire antes de ese plazo a menos que se lo indiquemos. Lo cambiamos o lo retiramos cuando vengamos a verle. Normalmente, un fisioterapeuta le atenderá en la planta para iniciar movimientos suaves. Por favor, organice que alguien le acompañe durante las primeras 24 horas después de volver a casa.

Recuperación

Cada persona sigue su propio proceso de recuperación; su cronograma puede ser distinto al de otros. Su cirujano y fisioterapeuta lo guiarán en cada consulta.

Durante los primeros días y semanas, es normal experimentar algo de dolor e hinchazón alrededor del hombro. En la mayoría de las personas, esto disminuye gradualmente. Su equipo médico planificará un tratamiento para el dolor antes de que abandone el hospital y lo ajustará según sea necesario. Muchas personas logran controlar el dolor mediante un plan sencillo que no incluye opioides. Mantener el brazo en el cabestrillo entre los ejercicios contribuye a la comodidad. El descanso, los movimientos suaves que le indique su fisioterapeuta y el cumplimiento del plan ayudarán a aliviar las molestias.

Por lo general, un fisioterapeuta lo atenderá en el hospital para iniciar movimientos suaves. En casa, deberá seguir realizando dichos ejercicios según las indicaciones. Se quita el cabestrillo para hacer los ejercicios y para lavarse. Al principio, necesitará ayuda con ciertas tareas diarias, como vestirse, ya que el brazo operado tendrá movilidad limitada. Al inicio, el sueño puede verse afectado; sin embargo, la mayoría de las personas notan una mejora conforme el hombro se recupera.

La movilidad y la fuerza vuelven progresivamente. A medida que disminuye la hinchazón y aumenta la movilidad, las actividades cotidianas se vuelven más fáciles. Una vez que su cirujano le autorice conducir, generalmente en la revisión de las seis semanas, podrá volver a manejar. Consulte nuestra guía sobre Conducción tras una cirugía de miembro superior. El regreso al trabajo y a la práctica deportiva dependerá de su profesión, sus actividades y del estado de curación de su hombro. Su cirujano y fisioterapeuta le explicarán qué es seguro hacer en cada etapa.

Qué puede salir mal

La mayoría de los pacientes evolucionan bien, pero en ocasiones pueden surgir problemas. Su cirujano y el equipo lo vigilarán de cerca para detectar cualquier anomalía a tiempo.

La infección es el problema más grave al que hay que prestar atención. Puede manifestarse como un dolor profundo y palpitante que no cede con analgésicos comunes, enrojecimiento que se extiende desde la herida o fiebre. Comuníquese de inmediato con la clínica si nota alguno de estos síntomas. Algunas infecciones aparecen meses después; por eso, mencione cualquier anomalía en sus controles, incluso si le parece insignificante.

Tras esta operación, puede formarse un coágulo en una vena. Esto puede provocar hinchazón y sensibilidad repentinas en la pantorrilla. Si un fragmento de ese coágulo llega a los pulmones, podría experimentar dificultad respiratoria o molestias torácicas. En tal caso, acuda a urgencias.

Durante la cirugía, los nervios cercanos al hombro pueden estirarse o sufrir contusiones. Podría notar entumecimiento, hormigueo o debilidad en el brazo o la mano. En muchos casos esto se recupera por completo; en otros, solo parcialmente. Coméntelo en su próxima consulta para poder hacer un seguimiento.

Las fracturas cerca de la nueva articulación son poco frecuentes, pero pueden ocurrir tanto durante la operación como después. Sentiría un dolor intenso y perdería la capacidad de mover el brazo con normalidad. Si esto sucede, llame a la clínica.

Con el tiempo, las piezas artificiales pueden aflojarse. Generalmente esto se percibe como un regreso del dolor, a veces acompañado de chasquidos o ruidos de fricción en el hombro. Mencione esto en su revisión, pues los estudios de imagen pueden revelar lo que está ocurriendo.

El hombro también puede volverse rígido o inestable, o las piezas nuevas pueden desplazarse. Notaría una pérdida repentina de movilidad o la sensación de que la articulación ha cambiado de posición. Comuníquese con la clínica sin demora.

Si ya se ha sometido a una cirugía de hombro anteriormente, algunos de estos riesgos son mayores. Su cirujano hablará de esto con usted antes de la operación.

En la tabla de complicaciones de esta página se detallan las tasas típicas, por si desea conocer los datos exactos.

¿Cuándo deben llamarnos?

Confíe en su instinto. Si algo le parece anormal, comuníquese con nosotros. Llame a la clínica si tiene fiebre, enrojecimiento creciente o secreción en la herida, o si el dolor empeora progresivamente. Acuda a urgencias si presenta hinchazón repentina en la pantorrilla, dificultad para respirar o molestias en el pecho; estos pueden ser signos de un coágulo. Llámenos de inmediato si pierde la sensibilidad en el brazo o la mano, o si no puede moverlos en absoluto. La mayoría de los problemas son más fáciles de resolver si se detectan a tiempo.

¿Dónde leer más sobre esta afección?

Esta página trata sobre la intervención quirúrgica en sí. La afección que se trata con ella, así como las evidencias sobre cuándo la cirugía resulta beneficiosa y cuándo no, se explican con mayor detalle en la página Artritis del hombro.


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Bony Anatomy

  • The proximal humerus comprises four main parts: the humeral head, greater tuberosity, lesser tuberosity, and humeral shaft [3].
  • The articular head of the humerus is spherical with a diameter of 37 to 57 mm [3].
  • The most superior portion of the articular surface of the humeral head averages 8 mm above the greater tuberosity [3].
  • Humeral version averages 29.8 degrees, with a range of 10 to 55 degrees [3].
  • The humeral head is inclined approximately 130 degrees with respect to the humeral shaft [3].
  • The neck-shaft angle measures an average of 135 degrees [4].
  • The humeral head is retroverted an average of 30 degrees [4].
  • The humeral head averages 19° of retroversion and 41° of inclination (neck-shaft angle) [6].
  • The anatomic neck of the proximal humerus is located at the junction of the articular surface and the tuberosities [3].
  • The surgical neck represents an indistinct region below the tuberosities but above the humeral shaft [3].
  • The glenoid is a convex structure of shallow depth shaped like an inverted pear [3].
  • The glenoid cavity is a shallow socket, approximately one third the size of the humeral head [4].
  • The subchondral bone of the glenoid is relatively flat, with articular concavity augmented by cartilage and a circumferential labrum [6].
  • The glenoid averages 5° of retroversion in relation to the axis of the scapular body [6].
  • The scapula is attached to the axial skeleton by the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints [5].
  • The scapula is separated from the chest wall by thin gliding fibro-fatty tissue, allowing smooth excursion over the chest wall [5].
  • The basic part of the scapula is the body, which is triangular when viewed anteroposteriorly with its base situated superiorly and its apex inferiorly [5].
  • The glenoid is connected with the flat body of the scapula by the scapular neck [5].
  • The hook-shaped coracoid process curves forwards from the superior surface of the scapular neck [5].
  • The scapular spine ends in a flattened bony process, the acromion, which curves forwards [5].
  • The highest concentration of bony mass in the scapula is located in the glenoid, the scapular neck, and the lateral border of the scapular body [5].
  • Two bony pillars transmit compressive forces from the glenoid fossa: the lateral pillar and the spinal pillar [5].
  • The lateral pillar connects the inferior border of the glenoid with the inferior angle [5].
  • The spinal pillar arises from the central part of the glenoid and continues medially to become part of the base of the scapular spine [5].
  • The weakest bone in the scapula is located primarily in the central part of the biomechanical body, specifically in the infraspinous fossa [5].
  • The weakest area of the circumference of the biomechanical body of the scapula is the spinomedial angle [5].
  • The clavicle is the first bone to ossify, occurring in the fifth week of gestation [6].
  • The clavicle is the only long bone to ossify by intramembranous ossification [6].
  • The medial (sternal) epiphysis of the clavicle is the last ossification center to fuse, at age 20 to 25 years [6].
  • Ossification of the scapular body begins at the eighth week of gestation [6].
  • The acromion has three ossification centers: the metacromion, mesoacromion, and preacromion [6].
  • Failure of fusion of the acromial ossification centers results in os acromiale [6].
  • The proximal humerus has three centers of ossification: the humeral head, greater tuberosity, and lesser tuberosity [6].
  • The humeral head ossification center appears at 4 to 6 months [6].
  • The greater tuberosity ossification center appears at 1 to 3 years [6].
  • The lesser tuberosity ossification center appears at 3 to 5 years [6].
  • The proximal humeral ossification centers fuse to the shaft at age 17 to 20 years [6].

Soft Tissue Anatomy

  • The greater tuberosity serves as the attachment site for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor tendons [3].
  • The lesser tuberosity serves as the attachment site for the subscapularis tendon [3].
  • The bicipital groove lies between the greater and lesser tuberosities and serves as a pathway for the long head of the biceps [3].
  • The distal aspect of the bicipital groove is internally rotated with respect to the proximal portion [3].
  • The rotator cuff consists of four muscles: the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor [4].
  • The teres major is not a rotator cuff muscle [4].
  • The rotator cuff muscles serve as depressors of the humeral head to allow the deltoid to efficiently abduct the humerus [4].
  • The infraspinatus and teres minor are external rotators of the humerus [4].
  • The subscapularis is an internal rotator of the humerus [4].
  • The acromion, coracoacromial ligament, and coracoid process form the coracoacromial arch [3].
  • The rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, and subdeltoid bursa pass underneath the coracoacromial arch [3].
  • The subscapular bursa lies between the subscapularis tendon and the neck of the scapula [7].
  • The subscapular bursa communicates with the joint cavity between the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments [7].
  • The subscapular bursa is linked to the coracoid process by a suspensory ligament [7].
  • In 28% of dissected specimens, the subscapular bursae merged with the subcoracoid bursae, forming a unique wide bursa [7].
  • The rotator interval is defined medially by the base of the coracoid, superiorly by the supraspinatus tendon, and inferiorly by the subscapularis tendon [6].
  • The rotator interval contains the coracohumeral ligament, the superior glenohumeral ligament, and the intra-articular portion of the long head of the biceps tendon [6].
  • The average area of the rotator interval is 20.96 mm [7].
  • The superior transverse scapular ligament arises from the medial base of the coracoid overlying the suprascapular notch [6].
  • The suprascapular artery runs superior to the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the nerve runs deep to it [6].
  • The spinoglenoid ligament overlies the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch [6].

Vascular and Neural Anatomy

  • The proximal humerus receives its blood supply from the anterior and posterior humeral circumflex branches from the third division of the axillary artery [3].
  • The posterior humeral circumflex artery travels with the axillary nerve and enters the quadrilateral space posteriorly [3].
  • The anterior humeral circumflex artery arises from the axillary artery at the inferior border of the subscapularis [3].
  • The anterior humeral circumflex artery provides vascular inflow to the humeral head via its terminal anterolateral branch, known as the artery of Laing or arcuate artery [3].
  • The ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery courses parallel to the lateral aspect of the long head biceps tendon [3].
  • The ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery enters the humeral head at the interface of the bicipital groove and greater tuberosity [3].
  • The anterolateral ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery provides the primary blood supply to the humeral head [6].
  • The terminal intraosseous portion of the anterior humeral circumflex artery enters at the proximal aspect of the intertubercular groove as the arcuate artery [6].
  • Injury to the arcuate artery may result in osteonecrosis of the humeral head [3].
  • Additional extraosseous collateral branches can permit humeral head perfusion despite complete ligation of the arcuate artery [3].
  • Fractures of the anatomic neck have a poor prognosis because of complete disruption of the blood supply to the head [4].
  • Surgical neck fractures are common, and with these, the blood supply to the head is preserved [4].
  • The brachial plexus and axillary artery are anterior to the coracoid process of the scapula and humeral head [4].
  • Nerves innervating muscles around the shoulder include the axillary, suprascapular, subscapular, and musculocutaneous nerves [4].
  • An axillary nerve injury from proximal humeral fracture or fracture-dislocation results in paralysis of the deltoid muscle and anesthesia over the “badge” region at the lateral proximal arm [4].
  • Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the superior transverse scapular ligament causes denervation of both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus [6].
  • Entrapment, traction, or compression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch causes denervation of the infraspinatus [6].

Joint Stability and Ligaments

  • Stability and function of the glenohumeral joint are provided by the interaction of structures that promote a near global range of motion and purposeful function [3].
  • External loads transferred to the shoulder girdle are initially offset by joint surface anatomy, joint volume, atmospheric pressure, and joint fluid cohesion and adhesion [3].
  • Moderate and large loads are counterbalanced by the deltoid and rotator cuff and by the capsulolabral and bone structures, respectively [3].
  • The glenohumeral joint is stabilized dynamically by the rotator cuff via joint compression [6].
  • Static stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint include articular congruity, the glenoid labrum, concavity-compression, negative intra-articular pressure, and the glenohumeral capsule and ligaments [6].
  • The glenoid labrum provides concavity and up to 50% of marginal glenoid socket depth [6].
  • The coracohumeral ligament restricts external rotation in adduction [6].
  • The coracohumeral ligament is a static restraint to inferior and posterior translation in adduction and external rotation [6].
  • The superior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm at the side [6].
  • The superior glenohumeral ligament and coracohumeral ligament form a pulley that provides restraint against medial subluxation of the long head of the biceps tendon [6].
  • The middle glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm in external rotation and 45° of abduction [6].
  • The anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior-inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint in 90° of abduction and external rotation [6].
  • The posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against posterior-inferior translation in internal rotation and adduction [6].
  • Laxity of the rotator interval results in inferior laxity, known as the sulcus sign [6].
  • Contracture of the rotator interval is seen with adhesive capsulitis [6].
  • The superior shoulder suspensory complex provides a stable connection between the scapula and the axial skeleton [6].
  • The superior shoulder suspensory complex is composed of the glenoid, coracoid process, coracoclavicular ligaments, distal clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, and acromion [6].
  • The superior strut of the superior shoulder suspensory complex comprises the middle clavicle [6].
  • The inferior strut of the superior shoulder suspensory complex comprises the lateral scapular border and spine of the scapula [6].
  • The sternoclavicular joint is the only true diarthrodial articulation between the upper appendicular and axial skeletons [6].
  • The posterior sternoclavicular joint capsule and ligaments are the primary stabilizers to anterior and posterior translation of the medial clavicle [6].
  • The acromioclavicular joint is a small diarthrodial joint with an interposed fibrocartilaginous disk [6].
  • The superior and posterior acromioclavicular ligaments are the primary stabilizers to anterior and posterior translation of the clavicle [6].
  • The coracoclavicular ligaments are the primary stabilizers to superior translation of the distal clavicle [6].

Pathophysiology

  • Post-traumatic shoulder fractures alter complex interactions of the shoulder girdle, resulting in pain, decreased range of motion and stiffness, and disability [3].
  • Displacement of proximal humeral fracture fragments is based on deforming forces created by the tendinous insertions of the pectoralis major, subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus [3].
  • The subscapularis inserts on the lesser tuberosity and causes medial displacement of the fragment [3].
  • The supraspinatus and infraspinatus insert on the greater tuberosity and cause superior and posterior displacement of the fragment [3].
  • The pectoralis major inserts on the humeral shaft and displaces it medially [3].
  • A fracture involving the anatomic neck is prognostically worse than fractures involving other regions of the proximal humerus regarding potential disruption of the vascular supply to the humeral head and subsequent development of avascular necrosis [3].
  • Displaced proximal humeral fractures can impede normal movement of structures passing under the coracoacromial arch, causing impingement and disruption of normal glenohumeral motion [3].
  • In proximal humeral fractures, the subdeltoid and subacromial bursae can become thickened and fibrotic, forming adhesions that limit normal glenohumeral motion [3].
  • The pathogenesis of shoulder stiffness is still elusive, though basic science research has provided insight into cellular and biochemical pathways [1].
  • The diagnosis of a stiff shoulder depends on awareness of the problem, with history and physical examination being paramount [1].
  • No treatment for a stiff shoulder has proved to be definitive [1].
  • The literature supports many forms of treatment for a stiff shoulder, both operative and nonoperative [1].
  • The treatment approach for a stiff shoulder should be tailored to each individual patient to ensure the best possible outcome [1].
  • Arthritis usually involves the central aspect of the humeral head [2].
  • Joint space narrowing in arthritis is most evident on the axillary view taken with the arm in elevation, as opposed to images made with the arm at the side [2].
  • The axillary view taken with the arm in elevation can show posterior subluxation or “functional decentering” that is not evident in images taken with the arm at the side [2].
  • Malcentering of the joint reaction force leads to posterior instability, posterior glenoid wear, and “rocking horse” loosening of prosthetic glenoid components [2].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the plane of the scapula [2].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid face [2].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface [2].
  • The point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface reflects the degree of centering of the net humeral joint reaction force on the glenoid [2].
  • Normal shoulder motion is approximately two-thirds glenohumeral and one third scapulothoracic [6].
  • The relationship between acromial anatomy and rotator cuff disease remains controversial [6].
  • The classification of acromial morphology (flat, curved, or hooked) is challenged by poor interobserver reliability [6].
  • The relationship between coracoid morphology and subscapularis tears is controversial [6].

Investigations

Radiographic Evaluation

  • The purpose of shoulder imaging is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [2].
  • Unless a specific research protocol is in place, the tendency to "overimage" should be resisted by obtaining only the scans or reconstructions necessary for patient care [2].
  • Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for total shoulder arthroplasty [2].
  • CT scans may offer increased precision in the measurement of glenoid version, but this precision does not improve the quality of the surgery or the clinical outcome [2].
  • Proper radiographic technique is as important as proper surgical technique to achieve the desired outcome [2].
  • The first key radiographic view is the anteroposterior (AP) view in the plane of the scapula, taken so that the x-ray beam passes through the glenohumeral joint [2].
  • The AP view in the plane of the scapula shows the superoinferior position of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, presence of osteophytes, narrowing of the joint space, degree of medial displacement of the humerus, quality of bone, presence of loose bodies, and humeral head collapse or deformity [2].
  • The second key radiographic view is the axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula [2].
  • The axillary view is oriented so that both the spinoglenoid notch and the scapular neck are visible [2].
  • The axillary view demonstrates the amount of glenoid bone, shape of the glenoid, its version in relation to the plane of the scapula, and the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid fossa [2].
  • The axillary view is referred to as the "truth view" because it demonstrates glenohumeral relationships in the functional position of elevation [2].
  • CT scans have the disadvantage of being taken with the arm in the adducted position, unlike the axillary truth view [2].
  • Many axillary views sent for consultation are taken without standardization, making it impossible to determine important features of the glenohumeral joint [2].
  • Standardized anteroposterior and axillary views indicate the thickness of the cartilage space between the humerus and the glenoid, relative positions of the humeral head and glenoid, presence of osteophytes, degree of osteopenia, and extent of bony deformity and erosion [2].
  • Joint space narrowing is most evident on the axillary truth view as opposed to images made with the arm at the side [2].
  • The axillary truth view shows posterior subluxation or "functional decentering" that is not evident in images taken with the arm at the side [2].
  • Three-dimensional reconstructions can reveal fine details of shoulder anatomy, but this additional information rarely changes the planning or conduct of the arthroplasty [2].
  • At least two X-ray views should be obtained: an anteroposterior in the plane of the glenoid and an axillary projection with the arm in abduction to show the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid [11].
  • Computed tomography (CT) is helpful for planning shoulder joint replacement [11].

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head or a bone tumour [11].
  • MRI can identify labral tears and rotator cuff tears, although the accuracy for these is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [11].

Ultrasonography

  • Ultrasonography is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [11].
  • Ultrasonography can be useful in guiding injections or barbotage (aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff) [11].
  • The most commonly performed joint examination using ultrasonography is the shoulder examination [9].
  • The accuracy of rotator cuff ultrasonography depends on the skill of the scanner operator and an awareness of pitfalls encountered [9].

General Imaging Principles

  • The shoulder is a three-dimensional structure that cannot be represented by a single planar view [13].
  • Critical relationships, such as the degree of centering of the humeral head, change with the position of the arm [13].
  • Shoulder pathology may be found in a large number of different bones and soft tissues [13].
  • Overlying and superimposed structures as well as metallic implants may complicate imaging the structures of interest [13].
  • Surgeons need to develop a judicious approach to imaging that yields necessary information while avoiding the tendency to "over-image" [13].

References

[1] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Arthroscopic Management of Prearthritic and Arthritic Conditions of the Shoulder and the Postarthroplasty Shoulder > SUMMARY.

[2] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Arthroscopic Management of Prearthritic and Arthritic Conditions of the Shoulder and the Postarthroplasty Shoulder > Radiographic Evaluation.

[3] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Shoulder and Elbow Specialty Clinic Workers’ Survey > ANATOMY.

[4] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 2Musculoskeletal Trauma Surgery > SHOULDER AND ARM INJURIES.

[5] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 29: Principles of Nonunion and Bone Defect Treatment > Applied Anatomy Related to Scapular Fractures.

[6] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Anatomy of the Shoulder, Arm, and Elbow > I. Shoulder.

[7] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > Bursae.

[9] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Diagnostic Ultrasonography and Ultrasonography-­Guided Procedures > Annotated References.

[11] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. INVESTIGATION.

[13] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > SENIOR EDITOR COMMENTARY.

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