Surface-replacement arthroplasty of the shoulder

Over the past 20 years the design of the surface replacement prostheses has evolved, butthe basic concept and design of surface replacement, minimal removal of bone and cementless fixation, has remained constant.The indications and surgical technique have been re¢ned during this period.The surface replacement prosthesis has demonstrated results at least equal to those of conventional stemmed prostheses suggesting that the humeral component does not need a stemor cement for ¢xation. In this paper, we discuss the evolution and development of surface replacement of the shoulder, describe the indications and surgical technique and present the results of the Copeland surface-replacement arthroplasty.