Humeral cephalic prosthesis (‘Helmet’)

The Helmet-type humeral head prosthesis replaces only the articular surface of the humeral head, without a humeral stem. It is mainly used in revision surgery, when the glenoid cavity has insufficient bone stock, making it difficult to implant a glenoid prosthesis, or in certain situations where it is desirable to preserve as much of the humeral bone stock as possible. Its aim is to reduce pain whilst retaining the option of more complex reconstruction should this be necessary at a later date. A tailored rehabilitation programme is implemented following the operation to optimise functional recovery.