Introduction:. The complex 3D geometry of the scapula and the variability among individuals makes it difficult to precisely quantify its morphometric features. Recently, the scapular neck has been recognized as an important morphometric parameter particularly due to the role it plays in scapular notching, which occurs when the humeral component of a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) prosthesis engages the posterior column of the scapula causing mechanical impingement and osseous wear. Prosthetic design and positioning of the glenoid component have been accepted as two major factors associated with the onset of notching in the RSA patient population. The present image-based study aimed to develop an objective 3D approach of measuring scapular neck, which when measured pre-operatively, may identify individuals at risk for notching. Materials and Methods:. A group of 81 subjects (41 M, 69.7 ± 8.9 yrs.; 40 F, 70.9 ± 8.1 yrs.) treated with RSA were evaluated in this study. The 3D point-cloud of the scapular geometry was obtained from pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scans and rendered in Mimics. Subsequently, a subject-specific glenoid coordinate system was established, using the extracted glenoid surface of each scapula as a coordinate reference. The principal component analysis approach was used to establish three orthogonal coordinate axes in the geometric center of the glenoid. Utilization of glenoid-specific reference planes (glenoid, major axis, and minor axis plane) were selected in order to remove subjectivity in assessing “true” anterior/posterior and profile views of the scapula. The scapular neck length was defined as the orthogonal distance between the glenoid surface and the point on the posterior column with the significant change of curvature (Fig. 1). In addition, the angle between the glenoid plane, area center of the glenoid, and the point of significant change of the curvature were assessed (Fig. 2). This new parameter was developed to serve as a predictive critical value for the occurrence of notching. The incidence of notching increases as the value of the notching angle decreases. In order to evaluate relationships between glenoid and scapular neck, the glenoid width and height was also measured at the glenoid plane. Results:. Glenoid neck length and notching angle within the population were normally distributed with mean values of 7.8 ± 2.3 mm and 19.6 ± 4.8°, respectively (Fig. 3). No gender difference was found (p = 0.676). In one subject, a glenoid neck length of less than 1 mm was measured with the notching angle less than 2.5°. No association between glenoid neck length and glenoid size were identified (vs. glen. height r. 2. = 0.001, and vs. glen. width r. 2. = 0.05). Conclusion:. The present study reported on the scapular neck length and notching angle as measureable morphometric parameters that follow a normal distribution throughout the population and that are not correlated to the subject's glenoid size. Pre-operative acquisition of these novel and unique CT-based measurements may promote more appropriate RSA prosthesis selection to account for subject-specific anatomy in an effort to avoid scapular notching. Inferior placement of a baseplate or lateralization of glenoid component center of rotation (either biologically or mechanically) both serves to theoretically increase the notching angle

Aims. Optimal glenoid positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is crucial to provide impingement-free range of motion (ROM). Lateralization and inclination correction are not yet systematically used. Using planning software, we simulated the most used glenoid implant positions. The primary goal was to determine the configuration that delivers the best theoretical impingement-free ROM. Methods. With the use of a 3D planning software (Blueprint) for RSA, 41 shoulders in 41 consecutive patients (17 males and 24 females; means age 73 years (SD 7)) undergoing RSA were planned. For the same anteroposterior positioning and retroversion of the glenoid implant, four different glenoid baseplate configurations were used on each shoulder to compare ROM: 1) no correction of the RSA angle and no lateralization (C-L-); 2) correction of the RSA angle with medialization by inferior reaming (C+M+); 3) correction of the RSA angle without lateralization by superior compensation (C+L-); and 4) correction of the RSA angle and additional lateralization (C+L+). The same humeral inlay implant and positioning were used on the humeral side for the four different glenoid configurations with a 3 mm symmetric 135° inclined polyethylene liner. Results. The configuration with lateralization and correction of the RSA angle (C+L+) led to better ROM in flexion, extension, adduction, and external rotation (p ≤ 0.001). Only internal rotation was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.388). The configuration where correction of the inclination was done by medialization (C+M+) led to the worst ROM in adduction, extension, abduction, flexion, and external rotation of the shoulder. Conclusion. Our software study shows that, when using a 135° inlay reversed humeral implant, correcting glenoid inclination (RSA angle 0°) and lateralizing the glenoid component by using an angled bony or metallic augment of 8 to 10 mm provides optimal impingement-free ROM. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):851–857

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using small and standard baseplates in Asian patients, and to investigate the impact of a mismatch in the sizes of the glenoid and the baseplate on the outcomes. Methods. This was retrospective analysis of 50 and 33 RSAs using a standard (33.8 mm, ST group) and a small (29.5 mm, SM group) baseplate of the Equinoxe reverse shoulder system, which were undertaken between January 2017 and March 2021. Radiological evaluations included the size of the glenoid, the β-angle, the inclination of the glenoid component, inferior overhang, scapular notching, the location of the central cage in the baseplate within the vault and the mismatch in size between the glenoid and baseplate. Clinical evaluations included the range of motion (ROM) and functional scores. In subgroup analysis, comparisons were performed between those in whom the vault of the glenoid was perforated (VP group) and those in whom it was not perforated (VNP group). Results. Perforation of the vault of the glenoid (p = 0.018) and size mismatch in height (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.013) were significantly more frequent in the ST group than in the SM group. There was no significant difference in the clinical scores and ROM in the two groups, two years postoperatively (all p > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, the VP group had significantly less inferior overhang (p = 0.009), more scapular notching (p = 0.018), and more size mismatch in height (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.025) than the VNP group. Conclusion. In Asian patients with a small glenoid, using a 29.5 mm small baseplate at the time of RSA was more effective in reducing size mismatch between the glenoid and the baseplate, decreasing the incidence of perforation of the glenoid vault, and achieving optimal positioning of the baseplate compared with the use of a 33.8 mm standard baseplate. However, longer follow-up is required to assess the impact of these findings on the clinical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1189–1195

Aims. Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients. Methods. This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10). Results. There were significant improvements in clinical scores, in the range and strength of internal rotation and aROM compared with the preoperative values in the 26 patients (87%) who were available for long-term follow-up. These improvements were maintained between short- and long-term follow-ups. Although there was a decreased mean AHD of 7.3 mm (SD 1.5) and an increased mean Hamada grade of 1.7 (SD 0.5) at final follow-up, the rate of progression of cuff tear arthropathy remained low-grade. Comparison between the isolated SSC and combined SSC and reparable supraspinatus tear groups showed no significant differences. At final follow-up, one patient (3.8%) had undergone revision surgery to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). No neurological complications were associated with the procedure. Conclusion. Latissimus dorsi transfer for an irreparable SSC tendon tear resulted in a significant clinical improvement, particularly in pain, range and strength of internal rotation and aROM, which were maintained over a mean of 8.7 years following surgery. Given that this was a long-term outcome study, there was a low-grade progression in the rate of cuff tear arthropathy. Thus, the long-term clinical efficacy of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with irreparable SSC was confirmed as a joint-preserving procedure for these patients, suggesting it as an effective alternative to RSA in young, active patients without degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):957–963

The June 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Proximal humerus fractures: what does the literature say now?; Infection risk of steroid injections and subsequent reverse shoulder arthroplasty; Surgical versus non-surgical management of humeral shaft fractures; Core outcome set needed for elbow arthroplasty; Minimally invasive approaches to locating radial nerve in the posterior humeral approach; Predictors of bone loss in anterior glenohumeral instability; Does the addition of motor control or strengthening exercises improve rotator cuff-related shoulder pain?; Terminology and diagnostic criteria used in patients with subacromial pain syndrome.

Aims. This study aimed to assess the impact of using the metal-augmented glenoid baseplate (AGB) on improving clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as reducing complications, in patients with superior glenoid wear undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Methods. From January 2016 to June 2021, out of 235 patients who underwent primary RSA, 24 received a superior-AGB after off-axis reaming (Group A). Subsequently, we conducted propensity score matching in a 1:3 ratio, considering sex, age, follow-up duration, and glenoid wear (superior-inclination and retroversion), and selected 72 well-balanced matched patients who received a standard glenoid baseplate (STB) after eccentric reaming (Group B). Superior-inclination, retroversion, and lateral humeral offset (LHO) were measured to assess preoperative glenoid wear and postoperative correction, as well as to identify any complications. Clinical outcomes were measured at each outpatient visit before and after surgery. Results. There were no significant differences in demographic data and preoperative characteristics between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (visual analogue scale for pain, visual analogue scale for function, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Constant, and Simple Shoulder Test scores) from preoperative to final assessment (p < 0.001). However, AGB showed no additional benefit. Notably, within range of motion, Group B showed significant postoperative decrease in both external rotation and internal rotation, unlike Group A (p = 0.028 and 0.003, respectively). Both groups demonstrated a significant correction of superior-inclination after surgery, while patients in Group B exhibited a significant decrease in LHO postoperatively (p = 0.001). Regarding complications, Group A experienced more acromial stress fractures (3 cases; 12.5%), whereas Group B had a higher occurrence of scapular notching (24 cases; 33.3%) (p = 0.008). Conclusion. Both eccentric reaming with STB and off-axis reaming with AGB are effective methods for addressing superior glenoid wear in RSA, leading to improved clinical outcomes. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with eccentric reaming, which include excessive bone loss leading to reduced rotation and scapular notching. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):268–276

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of different treatment options for glenoid loosening following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) at a minimum follow-up of two years. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively studied the records of 79 patients (19 men, 60 women; 84 shoulders) aged 70.4 years (21 to 87) treated for aseptic loosening of the glenosphere following RSA. Clinical evaluation included pre- and post-treatment active anterior elevation (AAE), external rotation, and Constant score. Results. From the original cohort, 29 shoulders (35%) were treated conservatively, 27 shoulders (32%) were revised by revision of the glenosphere, and 28 shoulders (33%) were converted to hemiarthroplasty. At last follow-up, conservative treatment and glenoid revision significantly improved AAE, total Constant score, and pain, while hemiarthroplasty did not improve range of movement or clinical scores. Multivariable analysis confirmed that conservative treatment and glenoid revision achieved similar improvements in pain (glenoid revision vs conservative, beta 0.44; p = 0.834) but that outcomes were significantly worse following hemiarthroplasty (beta -5.00; p = 0.029). Conclusion. When possible, glenoid loosening after RSA should first be treated conservatively, then by glenosphere revision if necessary, and last by salvage hemiarthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:461–469

Aims. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for patients with a proximal humerus fracture, using time-driven activity based costing (TDABC), and to compare treatment costs with reimbursement under the Healthcare Resource Groups (HRGs). Methods. TDABC analysis based on the principles outlined by Kaplan and a clinical pathway that has previously been validated for this institution was used. Staffing cost, consumables, implants, and overheads were updated to reflect 2019/2020 costs. This was compared with the HRG reimbursements. Results. The mean cost of a RSA is £7,007.46 (£6,130.67 to £8,824.67). Implants and staffing costs were the primary cost drivers, with implants (£2,824.80) making up 40% of the costs. Staffing costs made up £1,367.78 (19%) of overall costs. The total tariff, accounting for market force factors and high comorbidities, reimburses £4,629. If maximum cost and minimum reimbursement is applied the losses to the trust are £4,828.67. Conclusion. RSA may be an effective and appropriate surgical option in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures; however, a cost analysis at our centre has demonstrated the financial burden of this surgery. Given its increasing use in trauma, there is a need to work towards generating an HRG that adequately reimburses providers. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2020;1-12:731–736

Aims. We present our experience of using a metal-backed prosthesis and autologous bone graft to treat gross glenoid bone deficiency. Patients and Methods. A prospective cohort study of the first 45 shoulder arthroplasties using the SMR Axioma Trabecular Titanium (TT) metal-backed glenoid with autologous bone graft. Between May 2013 and December 2014, 45 shoulder arthroplasties were carried out in 44 patients with a mean age of 64 years (35 to 89). The indications were 23 complex primary arthroplasties, 12 to revise a hemiarthroplasty or resurfacing, five for aseptic loosening of the glenoid, and five for infection. Results. Of the 45 patients, 16 had anatomical shoulder arthroplasties (ASA) and 29 had reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSA). Postoperatively, 43/45 patients had a CT scan. In 41 of 43 patients (95%), the glenoid peg achieved > 50% integration. In 40 of 43 cases (93%), the graft was fully or partially integrated. There were seven revisions (16%) but only four (9%) required a change of baseplate. Four (25%) of the 16 ASAs were revised for instability or cuff failure. At two-year radiological follow-up, five of the 41 cases (11%) showed some evidence of lucent lines. Conclusion. The use of a metal baseplate with a trabecular titanium surface in conjunction with autologous bone graft is a reliable method of addressing glenoid bone defects in primary and revision RSA setting in the short term. ASAs have a higher rate of complications with this technique

Objectives. To date, no study has considered the impact of acromial morphology on shoulder range of movement (ROM). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of lateralization of the centre of rotation (COR) and neck-shaft angle (NSA) on shoulder ROM after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with different scapular morphologies. Methods. 3D computer models were constructed from CT scans of 12 patients with a critical shoulder angle (CSA) of 25°, 30°, 35°, and 40°. For each model, shoulder ROM was evaluated at a NSA of 135° and 145°, and lateralization of 0 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm for seven standardized movements: glenohumeral abduction, adduction, forward flexion, extension, internal rotation with the arm at 90° of abduction, as well as external rotation with the arm at 10° and 90° of abduction. Results. CSA did not seem to influence ROM in any of the models, but greater lateralization achieved greater ROM for all movements in all configurations. Internal and external rotation at 90° of abduction were impossible in most configurations, except in models with a CSA of 25°. Conclusion. Postoperative ROM following RSA depends on multiple patient and surgical factors. This study, based on computer simulation, suggests that CSA has no influence on ROM after RSA, while lateralization increases ROM in all configurations. Furthermore, increasing subacromial space is important to grant sufficient rotation at 90° of abduction. In summary, increased lateralization of the COR and increased subacromial space improve ROM in all CSA configurations. Cite this article: A. Lädermann, E. Tay, P. Collin, S. Piotton, C-H Chiu, A. Michelet, C. Charbonnier. Effect of critical shoulder angle, glenoid lateralization, and humeral inclination on range of movement in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:378–386. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.88.BJR-2018-0293.R1

Aims. To investigate the impact of the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices on patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) following shoulder arthroplasty. Methods. Patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), or hemiarthroplasty (HA) from 2016 to 2018 were identified, along with the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidities listed as their secondary diagnoses in the electronic medical records. Patients were matched to our institution’s registry to obtain their PROMs, including shoulder-specific (American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) and Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS)) and general health scales (12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Pain Interference). Linear regression models adjusting for age and sex were used to evaluate the association between increasing number of comorbidities and PROM scores. A total of 1,817 shoulder arthroplasties were performed: 1,017 (56%) TSA, 726 (40%) RSA, and 74 (4%) HA. The mean age was 67 years (SD 10), and 936 (52%) of the patients were female. Results. The most common comorbidities were obesity (1,256, 69%) and hypertension (990, 55%). Patients with more comorbidities had lower ASES and SAS scores at baseline (p < 0.001). Elixhauser comorbidities continued to negatively impact ASES and SAS scores at one year (p = 0.002) and two-year follow-up (p = 0.002). Patients with more comorbidities reported greater pain interference on PROMIS at baseline (p = 0.007), but not at two years. Higher number of Charlson comorbidities were associated with lower scores on the SF-12 mental component at baseline (p < 0.001) and two years (p = 0.020). Higher number of Elixhauser comorbidities were associated with lower SF-12 physical component scores at baseline (p < 0.001) and two years (p = 0.004). Conclusion. Higher number of comorbidities was associated with lower baseline scores and worse outcomes on both shoulder-specific and general health PROMs. The presence of specific comorbidities may be used during shared decision-making to manage expectations for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):964–970

Aims. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were long-term differences in outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) undertaken for acute proximal humeral fracture versus rotator cuff deficiency with a minimum follow-up of five years. Methods. This was a prospective cohort study comparing 67 patients with acute complex proximal humeral fracture and 64 patients with irreparable rotator cuff deficiency who underwent primary RSA. In the fracture group, there were 52 (77.6%) females and 15 (22.4%) males, with a mean age of 73.5 years (51 to 85), while in the arthropathy group, there were 43 (67.1%) females and 21 (32.9%) males, with a mean age of 70.6 years (50 to 84). Patients were assessed by the Constant score, University of California Los Angeles shoulder score (UCLA), short version of the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH), and visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. Radiological evaluation was also performed. Results. Mean follow-up was 8.4 years (5 to 11). There were no significant differences in mean absolute (p = 0.125) or adjusted (p = 0.569) Constant, UCLA (p = 0.088), QuickDASH (p = 0.135), VAS-pain (p = 0.062), or range of movement at the final follow-up. However, patient satisfaction was significantly lower in the fracture group (p = 0.002). The complication rate was 1.5% (one patient) versus 9.3% (six patients), and the revision rate was 1.5% (one patient) versus 7.8% (five patients) in the fracture and arthropathy groups, respectively. The ten-year arthroplasty survival was not significantly different (p = 0.221). Conclusion. RSA may be used not only for patients with irreparable rotator cuff deficiencies, but also for those with acute complex proximal humeral fractures. We found that RSA provided similar functional outcomes and a low revision rate for both indications at long-term. However, satisfaction is lower in patients with an acute fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(11):1555–1559

Abstract. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is being increasingly used for complex, displaced fractures of the proximal humerus. The main goal of the current study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic results after primary RSA of three or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients. Between 2012 and 2020, 70 consecutive patients with a recent three- or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus were treated with an RSA. There were 41 women and 29 men, with a mean age of 76 years. The dominant arm was involved in 42 patients (60%). All surgeries were carried out within 21 days. Displaced three-part fracture sustained in 16 patients, 24 had fracture dislocation and 30 sustained a four-part fracture of the proximal humerus. Patients were followed up for a mean of 26 months. The mean postoperative OSS at the end of the follow-up period was 32.4. The mean DASH score was 44.3. Tuberosity non-union occurred in 18 patients (12.6%), malunion in 7 patients (4.9%), heterotopic ossification in 4 patients (2.8%) and scapular notching in one patient. Anatomical reconstruction was achieved in 25 patients (17.5%), the influence of greater tuberosity healing on shoulder function could not be demonstrated. Heterotopic ossification seems to affect OSS and QDASH, we found statistically significant relation between HO and clinical outcomes. Patients with heterotopic ossification had significantly lower postoperative scores on DASH and OSS (P = .0527). Despite expecting good functional outcome with low complication rate after RSA, the functional outcome was irrespective of healing of the tuberosities

Aims. The number of rotator cuff repairs that are undertaken is increasing. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is the procedure of choice for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy. We sought to determine whether patients who underwent rotator cuff repair and subsequent RSA had different outcomes compared with a matched control group who underwent RSA without a previous rotator cuff repair. Patients and Methods. All patients with a history of rotator cuff repair who underwent RSA between 2000 and 2015 with a minimum follow-up of two years were eligible for inclusion as the study group. Outcomes, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, were compared with a matched control group of patients who underwent RSA without having previously undergone rotator cuff repair. Results. The study group included 45 patients. Their mean age was 69 years (. sd. 8.6) and 27 patients (60%) were women. The mean ASES score improved from 43.1 to 76.6 two years postoperatively, and to 66.9 five years postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the outcomes at two years in the two groups (all p ≥ 0.05), although there was significantly more improvement in ASES scores in the control group (44.5 vs 33.4; p = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between ASES scores at two and five years when baseline ASES scores were matched in the two groups (p = 0.42 at two years; p = 0.35 at five years). Conclusion. Significant improvements in ASES scores were seen following RSA in patients who had previously undergone rotator cuff repair. They had higher baseline ASES scores than those who had not previously undergone this surgery. However, there was no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups, two years postoperatively. Previous rotator cuff repair does not appear to affect the early outcome after RSA adversely

Glenoid baseplate orientation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) influences clinical outcomes, complications, and failure rates. Novel technologies have been produced to decrease performance heterogeneity of low and high-volume surgeons. This study aimed to determine novice and experienced shoulder surgeon's ability to accurately characterise glenoid component orientation in an intra-operative scenario. Glenoid baseplates were implanted in eight fresh frozen cadavers by novice surgical trainees. Glenoid baseplate version, inclination, augment rotation, and superior-inferior centre of rotation (COR) offset were then measured using in-person visual assessments by novice and experienced shoulder surgeons immediately after implantation. Glenoid orientation parameters were then measured using 3D CT scans with digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) by two independent observers. Bland-Altman plots were produced to determine the accuracy of glenoid orientation using standard intraoperative assessment compared to postoperative 3D CT scan results. Visual assessment of glenoid baseplate orientation showed “poor” to “fair” correlation to 3D CT DRR measurements for both novice and experienced surgeon groups for all measured parameters. There was a clinically relevant, large discrepancy between intra-operative visual assessments and 3D CT DRR measurements for all parameters. Errors in visual assessment of up to 19.2 degrees of inclination and 8mm supero-inferior COR offset occurred. Experienced surgeons had greater measurement error than novices for all measured parameters. Intra-operative measurement errors in glenoid placement may reach unacceptable clinical limits. Kinesthetic input during implantation likely improves orientation understanding and has implications for hands-on learning

In reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), a high complication rate is noted in the international literature (24.7%), and limited local literature is available. The complications in our developing health system, with high HIV, tuberculosis and metabolic syndrome prevalence may be different from that in developed health systems where the literature largely emanates from. The aim of this study is to describe the complications and complication rate following RSA in a South African cohort. An analytical, cross-sectional study was done where all patients’ who received RSA over an 11 year period at a tertiary hospital were evaluated. One-hundred-and-twenty-six primary RSA patients met the inclusion criteria and a detailed retrospective evaluation of their demographics, clinical variables and complication associated with their shoulder arthroplasty were assessed. All fracture, revision and tumour resection arthroplasties were excluded, and a minimum of 6 months follow up was required. A primary RSA complication rate of 19.0% (24/126) was noted, with the most complications occurring after 90 days at 54.2% (13/24). Instability was the predominant delayed complication at 61.5% (8/13) and sepsis being the most common in the early days at 45.5% (5/11). Haematoma formation, hardware failure and axillary nerve injury were also noted at 4.2% each (1/24). Keeping in mind the immense difference in socioeconomical status and patient demographics in a third world country the RSA complication rate in this study correlates with the known international consensus. This also proves that RSA is still a suitable option for rotator cuff arthropathy and glenohumeral osteoarthritis even in an economically constrained environment like South Africa

Aims. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become the most common type of shoulder arthroplasty used in the UK, and a better understanding of the outcomes after revision of a failed RSA is needed. The aim of this study was to review the current evidence systematically to determine patient-reported outcome measures and the rates of re-revision and complications for patients undergoing revision of a RSA. Methods. MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Studies involving adult patients who underwent revision of a primary RSA for any indication were included. Those who underwent a RSA for failure of a total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty were excluded. Pre- and postoperative shoulder scores were evaluated in a random effects meta-analysis to determine the mean difference. The rates of re-revision and complications were also calculated. Results. The initial search elicited 3,166 results and, following removal of duplicates and screening, 13 studies with a total of 1,042 RSAs were identified. An increase in shoulder scores pre- to postoperatively was reported in all the studies. Following revision of a RSA to a further RSA, there was a significant increase in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (mean difference 20.78 (95% CI 8.16 to 33.40); p = 0.001). A re-revision rate at final follow-up ranging from 9% to 32%, a one-year re-revision rate of 14%, and a five-year re-revision rate of 23% were reported. The complication rate in all the studies was between 18.5% and 36%, with a total incidence of 29%. Conclusion. This is the largest systematic review of the outcomes following revision of a RSA. We found an improvement in functional outcomes after revision surgery, but the rates of re-revision and complications are high and warrant consideration when planning a revision procedure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1293–1300

Introduction. The increased prevalence of osteoporosis in the patient population undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) results in significantly increased complication rates. Mainly demographic and clinical predictors are currently taken into the preoperative assessment for risk stratification without quantification of preoperative computed tomography (CT) data (e.g. bone density). It was hypothesized that preoperative CT bone density measures would provide objective quantification with subsequent classification of the patients’ humeral bone quality. Methods. Thirteen bone density parameters from 345 preoperative CT scans of a clinical RSA cohort represented the data set in this study. The data set was divided into testing (30%) and training data (70%), latter included an 8-fold cross validation. Variable selection was performed by choosing the variables with the highest descriptive value for each correlation clustered variables. Machine learning models were used to improve the clustering (Hierarchical Ward) and classification (Support Vector Machine (SVM)) of bone densities at risk for complications and were compared to a conventional statistical model (Logistic Regression (LR)). Results. Clustering partitioned this cohort (training data set) into a high bone density subgroup consisting of 96 patients and a low bone density subgroup consisting of 146 patients. The optimal number of clusters (n = 2) was determined based on optimization metrics. Discrimination of the cross validated classification model showed comparable performance for the training (accuracy=91.2%; AUC=0.967) and testing data (accuracy=90.5 %; AUC=0.958) while outperforming the conventional statistical model (Logistic Regression (LR)). Local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) were created for each patient to explain how the predicted output was achieved. Conclusion. The trained and tested model provides preoperative information for surgeons treating patients with potentially poor bone quality. The use of machine learning and patient-specific calibration showed that multiple 3D bone density scores improved accuracy for objective preoperative bone quality assessment

Scapular notching is a common problem following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This is due to impingement between the humeral polyethylene cup and scapular neck in adduction and external rotation. Various glenoid component strategies have been described to combat scapular notching and enhance impingement-free range of motion (ROM). There is limited data available detailing optimal glenosphere position in RSA with an onlay configuration. The purpose of this study was to determine which glenosphere configurations would maximise impingement free ROM using an onlay RSA prosthesis. A three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scan of a shoulder with Walch A1, Favard E0 glenoid morphology was segmented using validated software. An onlay RSA prosthesis was implanted and a computer model simulated external rotation and adduction motion of the virtual RSA prosthesis. Four glenosphere parameters were tested; diameter (36mm, 41mm), lateralization (0mm, 3mm, 6mm), inferior tilt (neutral, 5 degrees, 10 degrees), and inferior eccentric positioning (0.5mm, 1.5mm. 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.5mm). Eighty-four combinations were simulated. For each simulation, the humeral neck-shaft angle was 147 degrees and retroversion was 30 degrees. The largest increase in impingement-free range of motion resulted from increasing inferior eccentric positioning, gaining 15.0 degrees for external rotation and 18.8 degrees for adduction. Glenosphere lateralization increased external rotation motion by 13. 6 degrees and adduction by 4.3 degrees. Implanting larger diameter glenospheres increased external rotation and adduction by 9.4 and 10.1 degrees respectively. Glenosphere tilt had a negligible effect on impingement-free ROM. Maximizing inferior glenosphere eccentricity, lateralizing the glenosphere, and implanting larger glenosphere diameters improves impingement-free range of motion, in particular external rotation, of an onlay RSA prosthesis. Surgeons’ awareness of these trends can help optimize glenoid component position to maximise impingement-free ROM for RSA. Further studies are required to validate these findings in the context of scapulothoracic motion and soft tissue constraints

Aims. Acromial fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have a wide range of incidences in reported case series. This study evaluates their incidence following RSA by systematically reviewing the current literature. Materials and Methods. A systematic review using the search terms “reverse shoulder”, “reverse total shoulder”, or “inverted shoulder” was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2018. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Studies were included if they reported on RSA outcomes and the incidence rate of acromial and/or scapular spine fractures. The rate of these fractures was evaluated for primary RSA, revision RSA, RSA indications, and RSA implant design. Results. The review included 90 articles out of 686 identified after exclusions. The incidence rate of acromial and/or scapular spine fractures was 2.8% (253/9048 RSAs). The fracture rate was similar for primary and revision RSA (2.8% vs 2.1%; p = 0.4). Acromial fractures were most common after RSA for inflammatory arthritis (10.9%) and massive rotator cuff tears (3.8%). The incidence was lowest in RSA for post-traumatic arthritis (2.1%) and acute proximal humerus fractures (0%). Lateralized glenosphere design had a significantly higher rate of acromial fractures compared with medial glenosphere designs. Conclusion. Based on current English literature, acromial and/or scapular spine fractures occur at a rate of 2.8% after RSA. The incidence is slightly more common after primary compared with revision arthroplasty. Also, higher rates of acromial fractures are reported in RSA performed for inflammatory arthritis and in the lateralized glenoid design. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:627–634