Stemless shoulder arthroplasty in the young: A case report and literature review

Shoulder arthroplasty has undergone significant evolution, with the development of stemless shoulder prostheses representing a paradigm shift. This case description is of a 43-year-old young male with osteoarthritis of the right shoulder who underwent stemless shoulder arthroplasty. The patient presented with persistent right shoulder pain and restricted range of motion. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings confirmed shoulder osteoarthritis. The patient underwent a standard deltopectoral approach for stemless total shoulder arthroplasty. The subscapularis tendon was anatomically repaired. Postoperatively, the patient underwent a structured rehabilitation program, achieving a near-normal range of motion and significant pain improvement at the 6-month follow-up. Radiographic evaluation showed a well-positioned implant with no signs of loosening. The use of stemless implants in shoulder arthroplasty offers several potential advantages, including bone preservation and reduced surgical complications. However, appropriate patient selection and meticulous surgical technique are crucial, as long-term outcomes data are still limited. This case demonstrates the feasibility and short-term success of stemless shoulder arthroplasty in a relatively young patient with osteoarthritis. Ongoing research is focused on optimizing implant design and expanding indications for this innovative approach. A long-term follow-up studies will be essential to fully assess the durability and potential limitations of stemless shoulder arthroplasty.