There are many difficult problems in the treatment of cuff-tear arthropathy. Recently, Worland et al. have reported on good functional results in the hemiarthroplasty using bipolar prosthesis. We reported on two cases of cuff-tear arthropathy treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. [Case 1] A 73-year-old male. Because of continuous shoulder pain and hydrarthrosis, bipolar hemiarthroplasty was performed on him. Post operatively, he was relieved of pain, but active range of motion had increased slightly. The JOA score had improved from 32 points to 56 points. [Case 2] A 79-year-old female. She also had bipolar hemiarthroplasty performed on. Post operatively, active range of motion had decreased from 70° to 25° in shoulder flexion. The JOA score had improved from 27 points to 36 points. There was little improvement compared with the pre-operative score.
Options for surgical treatment of cuff tear arthropathy include a total shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis. Although they are useful for pain relief, the functional outcome doesn't improve. Therefore a new operative technique and prosthesis are necessary for the treatment of cuff-tear arthropathy.
