Accurate glenoid component placement continues to be a challenge. Knowledge that glenoid loosening is affected by malpositioning of the glenoid component has led to the development of patient specific instrumentation (PSI) in an attempt to optimise glenoid positioning. The ideal PSI would be reusable, reliable, cost-effective and robust enough to tolerate the stresses applied by the surgeon in the context of difficult glenohumeral exposure. The VIP system is a CT scan-based PSI with a reusable instrument. The subtle nuances of pre-operative planning will be discussed in a separate short video.

The live surgery will incorporate use of the patient specific instrumentation during glenoid placement and the use of a short stemmed fourth generation total shoulder arthroplasty.

Hill-Sachs and reverse Hill-Sachs lesions come in different shapes and sizes, and their effect on “glenoid track” can vary. Small Hill-Sachs lesions that do not engage can be successfully treated with a Bankart repair alone done arthroscopically or open. Moderate, engaging, Hill-Sachs lesions can be treated either with the addition of remplissage to an arthroscopic Bankart or by adding the triple blocking effect of the Bristow-Latarjet procedure.

Surface replacements vary in size from the small hemi-cap type of procedure to an entire humeral head replacement (HHR). These devices can be used as opposed to allograft replacement when the risk of post-reconstruction arthritis is high with the aforementioned more conventional treatment techniques. When 45% or more of the humeral head is involved with the lesion, or Outerbridge stage III and IV changes prevail, a HHR is preferred. An oval shaped HHR is the author's preference, and the long diameter can be used to provide coverage anteriorly or posteriorly and is particularly useful in large Hill-Sachs lesions associated with epilepsy.

Management of bone loss on both sides of the glenohumeral joint has been made much easier by the introduction of the reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). While traditional posterior bone grafting and newer augmented glenoid components are still being used for Walch type B2 glenoids, there is movement and the trend towards using the reverse prosthesis with Bone Ingrowth Offset (BIO-RSA) techniques. Bone loss on the humeral side can be managed by the prosthesis itself, fresh matched or frozen proximal humerus allografts, femoral shaft allografts, or tibial strut allografts. Several cases will be shown to illustrate each technique.

Subscapularis repair and integrity after a primary total shoulder arthroplasty is critical for successful outcomes. One should be familiar with the 3 basic takedown and repair techniques commonly utilised. Subscapularis repair after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is not as critical and in some cases may be detrimental to return of external rotation strength and motion.

Subscapularis tenotomy: The tendon is incised approximately 1 cm from the lesser tuberosity and an oblique incision is created from proximal lateral to distal medial stopping at the sentinel vessels. A combination of tendon-to-tendon figure of 8 sutures.

Lesser tuberosity osteotomy: This approach is helpful not only in obtaining a bone-to-bone healing, but also in the exposure. Osteotomies range from a fleck of bone in patients with minimal deformity, to a C-shaped osteotomy including part of the head which facilitates exposure of the posterior glenoid. Despite an ability to document radiographic healing of the lesser tuberosity fragment, this technique does not prevent fatty infiltration of the subscapularis.

Subscapularis Peel: This repair requires tendon healing to bone and probably incomplete, in most cases, reconstitution of a normal enthesis. External rotation can be gained by recessing the subscapularis insertion medially with the arm in external rotation. While bone-to-tendon sutures are the gold standard, augmentation of the sutures using a prosthesis as the anchor has led to the development of prostheses with multiple holes. Dual row repair of the tendon, however, may lead to medial rupture.

Intra-operative complications vary from extremely benign such as glenoid vault penetration to life and limb threatening for example brachial artery injury. Most intra-operative complications can be avoided with careful pre-operative planning, anticipation, and execution. However, even the best planning and execution including fluoroscopic guided reaming cannot prevent all complications. The following intra-operative complications will be discussed in detail in regards to both prevention and management: Glenoid vault penetration, Glenoid component malposition - reverse and primary, Glenoid fracture - reverse and primary, Humeral component malposition - reverse and primary, and Humeral fracture - reverse and primary.