Aims

The current evidence comparing the two most common approaches for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), the deltopectoral and anterosuperior approach, is limited. This study aims to compare the rate of loosening, instability, and implant survival between the two approaches for rTSA using data from the Dutch National Arthroplasty Registry with a minimum follow-up of five years.

We present a series of 18 consecutive cases of primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for irreparable proximal humerus fractures in patients over 70. Failure of tuberosity union and poor cuff function leads to unsatisfactory results in over half the patients with hemiarthroplasty. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty does not depend upon a functional rotator cuff and requires little formal rehabilitation. Patients over 70 with irreparable proximal humerus fractures treated with a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were included in this study. Only primary arthroplasties were included. Reverse arthroplasties for failed hemiarthroplasties were excluded. All arthroplasties were performed using either a deltoid split direct lateral (superior) approach or the antero-lateral MacKenzie approach. The SMR reverse total shoulder prothesis was implanted in all cases using a press-fit glenoid base plate and glenosphere, and press-fit or cemented humerus stem. Tuberosity repair was attempted in 10 cases. The supraspinatus was excised from the greater tuberosity. Patients were allowed self-mobilisation after two weeks in a sling. Patients were recruited and followed up per ethics approved protocol. Outcome measures used were range of motion, dislocation and revision rates radiological signs of loosening and glenoid notching, DASH and Constant scores. Results were compared to another series of cases of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for sequelae of trauma and failed hemiarthroplasties, as well as a series of primary hemiarthroplasties. At an average follow-up of 30 months (minimum 12 months) all patients were satisfied with their results. Average forward elevation was 132 deg. and abduction 108 deg. There was not deterioration of movement at 12 or 24 months. No patient had ongoing pain. The average constant score was 62. There was no evidence of humeral stem loosening apart from one case of early subsidence in a press fit stem. Eleven cases showed glenoid notching, four Nerot grade 1, six Nerot grade 2 and one Nerot grade 3. All notching had stabilised after 12 months. There were no cases of dislocation. No case needed revision, or awaits revision. All cases were pain-free at last review. Overall results for this group of primary reverse arthroplasties for fractures was much better than for reverse arthroplasties for sequelae of trauma. The results were also better than for primary hemiarthroplasties. Irreparable three and four part fractures of the proximal humerus pose management challenges in the elderly. The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is very attractive option for elderly patients with irreparable proximal humerus fractures. They require little rehabilitation and can give reproducibly good functional results, which do not deteriorate with time

Glenoid bone grafting in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has emerged as an effective method of restoring bone stock in the presence of complex glenoid bone loss, yet there is limited published evidence on efficacy. The aim of this study was to conduct an analysis of clinical and radiographic outcomes associated with glenoid bone grafting in primary RTSA.

Patients who underwent a primary RTSA with glenoid bone grafting were retrospectively identified from the databases of two senior shoulder surgeons. Inclusion criteria included minimum of 12 months clinical and/or radiographical follow up. Patients underwent preoperative clinical and radiographic assessment. Graft characteristics (source, type, preparation), range of movement (ROM), patient-reported outcome measures (Oxford Shoulder Scores [OSS]), and complications were recorded. Radiographic imaging was used to analyse implant stability, graft incorporation, and notching by two independent reviewers.

Between 2013 and 2021, a total of 53 primary RTSA procedures (48 patients) with glenoid bone grafting were identified. Humeral head autograft was used in 51 (96%) of cases. Femoral head allograft was utilised in two cases. Depending on the morphology of glenoid bone loss, a combination of structural (corticocancellous) and non-structural (cancellous) grafts were used to restore glenoid bone stock and the joint line. All grafts were incorporated at review. The mean post-operative OSS was significantly higher than the pre-operative OSS (40 vs. 22, p < 0.001). ROM was significantly improved post-operatively. One patient is being investigated for residual activity-related shoulder pain. This patient also experienced scapular notching resulting in the fracturing of the inferior screw. One patient experienced recurrent dislocations but was not revised.

Overall, at short term follow up, glenoid bone grafting was effective in addressing glenoid bone loss with excellent functional and clinical outcomes when used for complex bone loss in primary RTSA. The graft incorporation rate was high, with an associated low complication rate.

Reverse Total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) was initially introduced to treat rotator cuff arthropathy. With proven successful long-term outcomes, it has gained a noteworthy surge in popularity with its indications consequently being extended to treating various traumatic glenohumeral diseases.

Several countries holding national registries remain a guide to the use the prosthesis, however a notable lack of epidemiological data still exists. More so in South Africa where the spectrum of joint disease related to communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis may influence indications and patient demographics. By analysing the epidemiology of patients who underwent RTSA at our institution, we aimed to outline the local disease spectrum, the patients afflicted and indications for surgery.

A retrospective review of all patients operated within the sports unit between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2022 was conducted. An analysis of the epidemiological data pertaining to patient demographics, diagnosis, indications for surgery and complications were recorded.

Included in the review were 58 patients who underwent primary RTSA over the 4-year period. There were 41 females and 17 male patients, age <55 years (n= 14) >55 years (n=44). The indications included 23 rotator cuff arthropathy (40%), 12 primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) (20%), 10 avascular necrosis (AVN) humeral head (17%), 7 inflammatory OA (12%), 4 chronic shoulder dislocation (7%) and 2 sequalae of proximal humerus fractures (4%).

The study revealed RTSA being performed in patients older than 55 years of age, the main pathologies included rotator cuff arthropathy and primary OA, however AVN and shoulder dislocations secondary to trauma contributed significantly to the total tally of surgeries undertaken. This highlights the disease burden of developing countries contributing to patients presenting for RTSA

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the incidence of implant-related complications, further operations, and their influence on the outcome in a series of patients who underwent primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Methods. The prospectively collected clinical and radiological data of 797 patients who underwent 854 primary RTSAs between January 2005 and August 2018 were analyzed. The hypothesis was that the presence of complications would adversely affect the outcome. Further procedures were defined as all necessary operations, including reoperations without change of components, and partial or total revisions. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the absolute and relative Constant Scores (aCS, rCS), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) scores, range of motion, and pain. Results. The overall surgical site complication rate was 22% (188 complications) in 152 patients (156 RTSAs; 18%) at a mean follow-up of 46 months (0 to 169). The most common complications were acromial fracture (in 44 patients, 45 RTSAs; 5.3%), glenoid loosening (in 37 patients, 37 RTSAs; 4.3%), instability (in 23 patients, 23 RTSAs; 2.7%), humeral fracture or loosening of the humeral component (in 21 patients, 21 RTSAs; 2.5%), and periprosthetic infection (in 14 patients, 14 RTSAs; 1.6%). Further surgery was undertaken in 79 patients (82 RTSAs) requiring a total of 135 procedures (41% revision rate). The most common indications for further surgery were glenoid-related complications (in 23 patients, 23 RTSAs; 2.7%), instability (in 15 patients, 15 RTSAs; 1.8%), acromial fractures (in 11 patients, 11 RTSAs; 1.3%), pain and severe scarring (in 13 patients, 13 RTSAs; 1.5%), and infection (in 8 patients, 8 RTSAs; 0.9%). Patients who had a complication had significantly worse mean rCS scores (57% (SD 24%) vs 81% (SD 16%)) and SSV scores (53% (SD 27%) vs 80% (SD 20%)) compared with those without a complication. If revision surgery was necessary, the outcome was even further compromised (mean rCS score: 51% (SD 23%) vs 63% (SD 23%); SSV score: 4% (SD 25%) vs 61% (SD 27%). Conclusion. Although the indications for, and use of, a RTSA are increasing, it remains a demanding surgical procedure. We found that about one in five patients had a complication and one in ten required further surgery. Both adversely affected the outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):401–407

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has an increasing effective use in the treatment of patients with a variety of diagnoses, including rotator cuff deficiency, inflammatory arthritis, or failed shoulder prostheses. Glenoid bone loss is not uncommonly encountered in these cases due to the significant wear. Severe bone loss can compromise glenoid baseplate positioning and fixation, consequently increasing the risk for early component loosening, instability, and scapular notching. To manage severe glenoid bone deficiencies, bone grafts are commonly used. Although, many studies report outcome of bone grafting in revision RSA, the literature on humeral head autograft for glenoid bone loss in primary RSA is less robust. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary RSA with humeral head autograft for glenoid bone loss at our institution.

Institutional review board approval was obtained to retrospectively review the records of 22 consecutive primary RTSA surgeries in 21 patients with humeral head autograft for glenoid bone loss between January 2008 and December 2016. Five patients died during follow-up, three were unable to be contacted and one refused to participate, leaving a final study cohort of 12 patients with 13 shoulders that underwent RSA. All patients had a clinical evaluation including detailed ROM and clinical evaluation using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, Constant Score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaires. Preoperative and postoperative plain radiographs and CT scans were assessed for component position, loosening, scapular notching, as well as graft incorporation, resorption, or collapse.

There were 6 males and 6 females, with an average age of 74 ± 6.8 years. The average BMI was 31.7 ± 5.3, and the median ASA score was 3. Average follow-up was 3.4 ± 1.1 years. The average postoperative range of motion measurements for the operative arm are: flexion = 120 ± 37, abduction = 106 ± 23, external rotation = 14 ± 12, internal rotation at 90 degrees of abduction = 49 ± 7, external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction = 50 ± 28. Average functional scores are: ASES: 76.9 ± 19.2, WOOS: 456 ± 347, SF12 physical: 34.2 ± 8.2, SF12 mental: 54.1 ± 10.2, Constant Score: 64.6 ± 14. No evidence of hardware loosening or evidence of bone graft resorption were encountered. On CT, the average of pre operative B-angle was 79.3 ± 9.3 while the pre operative reverse shoulder angle was 101.4 ± 28. Glenoid retroversion average on CT was 13.3 ± 16.6. Post operative baseplate inclination average was 82 ± 7.4 while the baseplate version 7.8 ±10. The operative technique was able to achieve up to 30 degrees of inclination correction and up to 50 degrees of version correction.

In conclusion, primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty with humeral head autograft for glenoid bone loss provides excellent ROM and functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. This technique has a high rate of bone incorporation and small risk of bone resorption at mid term follow up.

The October 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360. looks at: Arthroscopic capsular shift surgery in patients with atraumatic shoulder joint instability: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial; Superior capsular reconstruction partially restores native glenohumeral loads in a dynamic model; Gene expression in glenoid articular cartilage varies in acute instability, chronic instability, and osteoarthritis; Intra-articular injection versus interscalene brachial plexus block for acute-phase postoperative pain management after arthroscopic shoulder surgery; Level of pain catastrophizing rehab in subacromial impingement: secondary analyses from a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (the SExSI Trial); Anterosuperior versus deltopectoral approach for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a study of 3,902 cases from the Dutch National Arthroplasty Registry with a minimum follow-up of five years; Assessment of progression and clinical relevance of stress-shielding around press-fit radial head arthroplasty: a comparative study of two implants; A number of modifiable and non-modifiable factors increase the risk for elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament injury in baseball players: a systematic review

Aims. Rates of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) continue to grow. Glenoid bone loss and deformity remains a technical challenge to the surgeon and may reduce improvements in patients’ outcomes. However, there is no consensus as to the optimal surgical technique to best reconstruct these patients’ anatomy. This review aims to compare the outcomes of glenoid bone grafting versus augmented glenoid prostheses in the management of glenoid bone loss in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated study-level data in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We performed searches of Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and PubMed from their dates of inception to January 2022. From included studies, we analyzed data for preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), patient-reported functional outcomes, and complication rates. Results. A total of 13 studies (919 shoulders) were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients at initial evaluation was 72.2 years (42 to 87), with a mean follow-up time of 40.7 months (24 to 120). Nine studies with 292 rTSAs evaluated the use of bone graft and five studies with 627 rTSAs evaluated the use of augmented glenoid baseplates. One study was analyzed in both groups. Both techniques demonstrated improvement in patient-reported outcome measures and ROM assessment, with augmented prostheses outperforming bone grafting on improvements in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score. There was a higher complication rate (8.9% vs 3.5%; p < 0.001) and revision rate among the bone grafting group compared with the patients who were treated with augmented prostheses (2.4% vs 0.6%; p = 0.022). Conclusion. This review provides strong evidence that both bone graft and augmented glenoid baseplate techniques to address glenoid bone loss give excellent ROM and functional outcomes in primary rTSA. The use of augmented base plates may confer fewer complications and revisions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1334–1342

Introduction. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is rapidly being adopted as the standard procedure for a growing number of shoulder arthropathies. Though short-term outcomes are promising, mid- and long-term follow-ups present a number of complications – among them, humeral stem and glenosphere component loosening. Though not the primary complication, previously reported aseptic loosening required revision in 100% of cases. As the number of patients undergoing RTSA increases, especially in the younger population, it is important for surgeons to identify and utilize prostheses with stable long-term fixation. It has previously been shown in the hip and knee literature that implant migration in the first two years following surgery is predictive of later failure due to loosening in the 5=10-year postoperative window. The purpose of this study is to, for the first time, evaluate the pattern and total magnitude of implant migration in reverse shoulder arthroplasty using the gold standard imaging technique radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Methods. Forty patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a cemented or press-fit humeral stem, and a glenosphere secured to the glenoid with either autologous bone graft or 3D printed porous titanium for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Following surgery, participants are imaged using RSA, a calibrated, stereo x-ray technique. Radiographs are acquired at 6 weeks (baseline), 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Migration of the humeral stem and glenosphere at each time point is compared to baseline. Migration of the prostheses is independently compared between humeral stem fixation groups and glenosphere fixation groups using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. Results. Follow-ups are ongoing and preliminary results are presented. Significant differences were observed at the 6-month and 1-year time points for superior-inferior translation (p = 0.0067, p = 0.0048), and total three-dimensional translation (p = 0.0011, p = 0.0272) between humeral stems, with press-fit humeral stems subsiding significantly more than cemented stems. Migration between the 6-month and 1-year time points was minimal for both stem fixation groups (less than 0.2 mm). No significant differences were observed along any axis at any time point for the glenosphere fixation groups. Conclusion. There is a trend towards increased subsidence with the use of press-fit stems compared to cemented stems in the first six months postoperatively, as is expected. Both implant fixation techniques demonstrate stability from six months through one year, and this trend is expected through two-year follow-up. Similarly, both glenosphere fixation techniques demonstrate immediate and stable fixation through one year

Introduction. Total shoulder arthroplasty is the fastest growing joint replacement in recent years, with projected compound annual growth rates of 10% for 2016 through 2021 – higher than those of both the hip and knee combined. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has gained particular interest as a solution for patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears and failed conventional shoulder replacement, for whom no satisfactory intervention previously existed. As the number of indications for RTSA continues to grow, so do implant designs, configurations, and fixation techniques. It has previously been shown that continuous implant migration within the first two years postoperatively is predictive of later loosening and failure in the hip and knee, with aseptic loosening of implant components a guaranteed cause for revision in the reverse shoulder. By identifying implants with a tendency to migrate, they can be eliminated from clinical practice prior to widespread use. The purpose of this study is to, for the first time, evaluate the pattern and magnitude of implant component migration in RTSA using the gold standard imaging technique radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Methods. Forty patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a cemented or press-fit humeral stem, and a glenosphere secured to the glenoid with either autologous bone graft or 3D printed porous titanium (Aequalis Ascend Flex, Wright Medical Group, Memphis, TN, USA) for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Following surgery, partients are imaged using RSA, a calibrated, stereo x-ray technique, at 6 weeks (baseline), 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Migration of the humeral stem and glenosphere at each time point is compared to baseline. Preliminary results are presented, with 15 patients having reached the 6-month time point by presentation. Results. Implant migration of ten participants at the 3-month time point is presented. Maximum total point motion (MTPM) is a measure of translation and rotation of the point on the implant that has moved the most from baseline. Average MTPM ± SD of the humeral stem is 1.18 ± 0.65 mm and 0.98 ± 0.46 mm for press-fit (n = 6) and cemented (n = 4) stems, respectively; and 0.25 ± 0.09 mm and 0.47 ± 0.24 mm for bone graft (n = 4) and porous titanium (n = 6) glenosphere fixations, respectively, at the 3-month time point. Conclusion. There is a trend towards increased migration with the use of press-fit humeral stems and porous titanium glenosphere fixation, though no conclusions can be made from the current sample size. Further, though differences in migration magnitude may be observed at early postoperative time points, it is expected that all fixation techniques will show stability from 1 to 2 years postoperatively

Arthritis of the glenohumeral joint accompanied by an irreparable tear of the rotator cuff can cause severe pain, disability and loss of function, particularly in the elderly population. Anatomical shoulder arthroplasty requires a functioning rotator cuff, however, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is capable of addressing both rotator cuff disorders and glenohumeral deficiencies. The Aequalis Reversed Shoulder Prosthesis design is based on two bio-mechanical principles by Grammont; a medialized center of rotation located inside the glenoid bone surface and second, a 155 degree angle of inclination. Combined, they increase the deltoid lever arm by distalizing the humerus and make the prosthesis inherently stable. 24 consecutive primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties were performed by a single surgeon for arthritis with rotator cuff compromise and 1 as a revision for a failed primary total shoulder replacement between December 2009 and October 2012. Patients were assessed postoperatively with the use of the DASH score, Oxford shoulder score, range of shoulder motion and plain radiography with Sirveaux score for scapular notching. Mean age at the time of surgery was 72.5 years (range 59 to 86). Average follow up time was 19.4 months (range 4 to 38). Functional outcome scores from our series were comparable with patients from other follow up studies of similar prosthesis design. All patients showed improvement in range of shoulder movement postoperatively. Complications included one dislocation, one acromion fracture and one humeral shaft fracture. No cases of deep infection were recorded. Overall, the short-term clinical results were promising for this series of patients and indicate reverse shoulder arthroplasty as an appropriate treatment for this group of patients

Purpose:. While the use of press-fit humeral components has been accepted in total shoulder arthroplasty, few studies focus on the outcomes after uncemented reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to compare the radiographic and functional results of uncemented and cemented humeral fixation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Materials/Methods:. A retrospective review was performed identifying all patients that underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) between May 2007 and December 2010. Medical records and a prospective research database were reviewed for demographic, operative, and clinical information. Inclusion criteria were a primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty from one manufacturer with a grit-blasted humeral metaphyseal stem and minimum follow-up of 2 years. Exclusion criteria included shoulder arthroplasty for fractures, fracture sequelae, or inflammatory arthropathy. Antibiotics were not routinely added to the cement. The radiographic and functional outcomes were compared between the uncemented and cemented groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher Exact test to compare the dichotomous variables between the groups. The functional outcome data between the groups was calculated using the two-tailed Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Results:. Ninety-seven patients (58 females, 39 males) with 100 RTSA were identified and met the inclusion criteria from 214 arthroplasties performed in the study period. Radiographic and clinical 2-year follow-up was available in 80% (51 RTSAs) of the uncemented group (mean 2.7 years) and in 89% (32 RTSAs) of the cemented group (mean 3.5 years). Most common diagnosis was rotator cuff arthropathy (83%). Average age at surgery was 72 years (range 55–93 years). Humeral loosening was seen only in 1 patient (2%) in the uncemented group and in 1 patient (3.1%) in the uncemented group. Periprosthetic humerus fractures were seen in 5 patients (9.8%) in the uncemented group and in 1 patient (3.1%) in the cemented group with only the one in the cemented group requiring component revision. Infection was seen in 1 patient (2%) in the uncemented group and in none in the cemented group. Overall component revision rate was 5.9% in the uncemented group and 6.3% in the cemented group with one in each group relating to humeral component failure. Comparison of complication rates, change in functional outcome scores, and change in range of motion showed no significant differences between the uncemented and cemented components. Conclusion:. Press-fitting of the humeral component in reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides similar radiographic and functional outcomes as cementation at 2 year follow-up with improvement in range of motion and functional outcome scores