Functional evaluation was good or fair in 15 of 20 patients. Active forward elevation averaged 72 degrees and active external rotation 16 degrees. Complications consisted of one axillary nerve palsy, one postoperative posterior dislocation, loosening of one uncemented humeral prosthesis, and one breakage of fixation wire requiring subsequent removal. Patients who could not comply with the postoperative rehabilitation program had poor results. Poor function appeared to be directly related to lack of rotator cuff integrity.
Surgical techniques designed to securing tuberosity union are essential.