• BACKGROUND
    • Prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty provides excellent pain relief and functional restoration for patients with glenohumeral arthritis, but concerns of survivorship have limited its use in younger patients.
  • DISCUSSION
    • Despite general reports of high long-term survivorship, implant failure and functional deterioration after total shoulder arthroplasty are major concerns in the management of younger patients. In addition to having a longer life expectancy, younger patients also tend to be more active and can be expected to place greater demands on their shoulder arthroplasty.
  • CONCLUSION
    • Alternative strategies have been developed and used for shoulder arthroplasty in younger patients. This manuscript reviews current concepts of shoulder arthroplasty in young patients.