To assess the effectiveness of a prosthetic replacement of the humeral head in rotator cuff tear arthropathy patients.

11 patients underwent a prosthetic replacement of the humeral head for rotator cuff tear arthropathy between 1997 and 2003. The average age was 69 years and 9 out of the 11 patients were women. The average follow-up was 44 months. The level of pain, daily activities, range of motion and patient's satisfaction were assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively.

The mean pain score decreased from 9.0 preoperatively to 2.2 postoperatively. The mean active forward elevation increased from 40° to 82° and the mean external rotation increased from 8.2° to 30°. The mean ASES score improved from 22 to 72. Nine patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome, particularly in terms of pain relief and the improvement in their daily activities.

A prosthetic replacement of the humeral head is an effective treatment option for pain relief as well as for improving the functional activity in rotator cuff tear arthropathy.