Stemmed hemiarthroplasty is the traditional method of hemiarthroplasty in which any one of the articular surfaces may be replaced using prosthesis. In most cases, the head of the humerus is replaced with a metal ball and stem. Some surgeons even recommend hemiarthroplasty when the humeral head is completely fractured but the socket is normal.
The other major indications for a hemiarthroplasty include:
- Arthritis that involves the head of the humerus with a glenoid which has a healthy and intact cartilage surface
- Shoulders having severely weakened bone in the glenoid
- Shoulders having severely torn rotator cuff tendons and arthritis
According to studies, patients suffering from osteoarthritis achieve better pain relief from total shoulder arthroplasty than from hemiarthroplasty.
