Long‐Term Results of Anatomic Stemless Shoulder Prosthesis in Patients With Primary Osteoarthritis

Objectives Shaft‐anchored prostheses have long been the gold standard in shoulder arthroplasty, but there is a growing trend toward bone‐preserving, stemless designs. Despite promising short‐ and midterm results, long‐term data remain limited. This study aims to report the long‐term outcomes of a stemless anatomic shoulder prosthesis in patients with primary osteoarthritis and seeks to answer the question of whether it is comparable to other prostheses. Methods This retrospective single‐center study included 27 shoulders in 24 patients (mean age 75 ± 8.3 years), who were operated from 2009 to 2011. Outcomes assessed were Constant‐Murley score, range of motion, patient satisfaction, revision rate, and radiological findings. Mean follow‐up was 142 ± 12.2 months. Twenty‐one shoulders underwent total shoulder arthroplasty; six hemiarthroplasty. For the analysis of continuous variables, the Wilcoxon test was used following normality testing. Dichotomous variables were evaluated using the chi 2 test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results The Constant‐Murley score improved significantly from 23.1 ± 9.4 (27.5% age‐adjusted) preoperatively to 58.8 ± 18.6 (72.3% age‐adjusted) postoperatively ( p < 0.001). Range of motion increased in flexion (89.5°–137.2°), abduction (70.9°–117.2°), and external rotation (10°–36.8°), all statistically significant. Overall, 85% of patients were (very) satisfied. Four revisions were performed: two with conversion to alternative treatment, two within the same system due to loosening and infection. Ten‐ and 12‐year survival rates were 89% and 85%, respectively. A 30% risk of loosening was observed (per Molé), though no glenoid loosening occurred; humeral loosening was seen in one case. Conclusion The clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of the investigated stemless shoulder arthroplasty system remain satisfactory even in long‐term follow‐up. High patient satisfaction was observed. The data, which are unique in terms of the length of follow‐up, are comparable to those of other stemless anatomic shoulder arthroplasty designs.