Indications, technique, and results of total shoulder arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis.

Unconstrained total shoulder arthroplasty is a highly effective and successful operation in the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Reliable pain relief can be obtained, often with an improvement in range-of-motion and function of the entire extremity. Rheumatoid patients may present with difficult soft-tissue and bony deficiencies, but careful planning and intraoperative procedures help to maximize the outcome and minimize the possible complications.