Abstract
Aims
The eccentric glenosphere was principally introduced into reverse shoulder arthroplasty to reduce the incidence of scapular notching. There is only limited information about the influence of its design on deltoid power and joint reaction forces.
The aim of our study was to investigate how the diameter and eccentricity of the glenosphere affect the biomechanics of the deltoid and the resultant joint reaction forces.
Methods
Different sizes of glenosphere and eccentricity were serially tested in ten cadaveric shoulders using a custom shoulder movement simulator.
Results
Increasing the diameter of the glenosphere alone did not alter the deltoid moment arm. However, using an eccentric glenosphere increased the moment arm of the deltoid, lowered the joint reaction force and required less deltoid force to generate movement.
Conclusion
Eccentricity is an independent variable which increases deltoid efficiency and lowers joint reaction forces in a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:218–23.
