Shoulder replacement survivorship

The number of shoulder replacements done has continued to increase over the past two decades, partly because of their efficacy in relieving pain and improving range of motion.

Patients with shoulder pathologies can undergo total shoulder replacements, humeral hemireplacements, or reverse total shoulder replacements, depending on the bone and concomitant soft tissue and muscle damage. Although these procedures are highly successful, as with any operation, they are not without potential postoperative risks, such as implant failure and infection, which can result in the need for revision surgeries.

Over the past few decades, substantial advancements have been made regarding implant design and surgical technique, both of which can help improve implant longevity.

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However, as with any joint replacement, over time implants will fail. Therefore, a recent study in The Lancet Rheumatology by Jonathan Evans and colleagues

sought to answer the question: how long does a shoulder replacement last?