We reviewed the 2-year outcomes for 33 shoulder arthroplasties in which anteriorly eccentric humeral heads were used to manage posterior decentering identified at surgery. Rotator interval plication was performed in 16 cases as an adjunctive stabilizing procedure. Shoulders were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Radiographic centering was characterized before surgery and at follow-up on standardized axillary radiographs with the arm held in a position of functional elevation.
With the anteriorly eccentric head component, preoperative radiographic humeral decentering was reduced from 10.4% ± 7.9% to 0.9% ± 2.3% postoperatively (P < .001). SST scores improved from 4.8 ± 2.3 to 10.0 ± 2.3 (P < .001). Preoperative posterior humeral head decentering did not correlate with preoperative glenoid version. Glenoid retroversion was 19.8° ± 8.9° preoperatively and 15.5° ± 7.5° postoperatively.
Posterior decentering identified at surgery when standard trial components are in place can be addressed by replacing the anatomic humeral head with an anteriorly eccentric humeral head component.