Aims. To report early (two-year) postoperative findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating disease-specific quality of life (QOL), clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a second-generation uncemented trabecular metal (TM) glenoid versus a cemented
Aims. Controversy about the use of an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty
(aTSA) in young arthritic patients relates to which is the ideal
form of fixation for the glenoid component: cemented or cementless.
This study aimed to evaluate implant survival of aTSA when used
in patients aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA),
and to compare the survival of cemented all-polyethylene and cementless
metal-backed glenoid components. Materials and Methods. A total of 69 consecutive aTSAs were performed in 67 patients
aged < 60 years with primary glenohumeral OA. Their mean age
at the time of surgery was 54 years (35 to 60). Of these aTSAs,
46 were undertaken using a cemented
Metal and ceramic humeral head bearing surfaces are available choices in anatomical shoulder arthroplasties. Wear studies have shown superior performance of ceramic heads, however comparison of clinical outcomes according to bearing surface in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) is limited. This study aimed to compare the rates of revision and reoperation following metal and ceramic humeral head TSA and HA using data from the National Joint Registry (NJR), which collects data from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the States of Guernsey. NJR shoulder arthroplasty records were linked to Hospital Episode Statistics and the National Mortality Register. TSA and HA performed for osteoarthritis (OA) in patients with an intact rotator cuff were included. Metal and ceramic humeral head prostheses were matched within separate TSA and HA groups using propensity scores based on 12 and 11 characteristics, respectively. The primary outcome was time to first revision and the secondary outcome was non-revision reoperation.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to report the implant survival and factors associated with revision of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) using data from the Dutch national registry. All TEAs recorded in the Dutch national registry between 2014 and 2020 were included. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and a logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with revision.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to evaluate the change in incidence rate of shoulder arthroplasty, indications, and surgeon volume trends associated with these procedures between January 2003 and April 2021 in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. A total of 1,545 patients between 2005 and 2021 were analyzed. Patients operated on between 2003 and 2004 were excluded due to a lack of electronic records. Overall, 84.1% of the surgeries (n = 1,299) were performed by two fellowship-trained upper limb surgeons, with the remainder performed by one of the 14 orthopaedic surgeons working in the province.Aims
Methods
Acute and chronic injuries of the interosseus membrane can result in longitudinal instability of the forearm. Reconstruction of the central band of the interosseus membrane can help to restore biomechanical stability. Different methods have been used to reconstruct the central band, including tendon grafts, bone-ligament-bone grafts, and synthetic grafts. This Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long-term (IDEAL) phase 1 study aims to review the clinical results of reconstruction using a synthetic braided cross-linked graft secured at either end with an Endobutton to restore the force balance between the bones of the forearm. An independent retrospective review was conducted of a consecutive series of 21 patients with longitudinal instability injuries treated with anatomical central band reconstruction between February 2011 and July 2019. Patients with less than 12 months’ follow-up or who were treated acutely were excluded, leaving 18 patients in total. Preoperative clinical and radiological assessments were compared with prospectively gathered data using range of motion and the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) functional outcome score.Aims
Methods
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. All patients in the registry who underwent a primary rTSA between January 2014 and December 2016 using an anterosuperior or deltopectoral approach were included, with a minimum follow-up of five years. Cox and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the approach and the implant survival, instability, and glenoid loosening, independent of confounders.Aims
Methods
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. 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 Aims
Methods
Stemless humeral implants have been developed to overcome stem-related complications in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, stemless implant designs may hypothetically result in less stable initial fixation, potentially affecting long-term survival. The aim of this study is to investigate early fixation and migration patterns of the stemless humeral component of the Simpliciti Shoulder System and to evaluate clinical outcomes. In this prospective cohort study, radiostereometric analysis (RSA) radiographs were obtained in 24 patients at one day, six weeks, six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. Migration was calculated using model-based RSA. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study was to compare clinical results, long-term survival, and complication rates of stemless shoulder prosthesis with stemmed anatomical shoulder prostheses for treatment of osteoarthritis and to analyze radiological bone changes around the implants during follow-up. A total of 161 patients treated with either a stemmed or a stemless shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 118 months (102 to 158). The Constant score (CS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and active range of motion (ROM) were recorded. Radiological analysis for bone adaptations was performed by plain radiographs. A Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was calculated and complications were noted.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to provide a detailed description of cases combining bridging patch repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement to treat irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, and report the preliminary results. This is a retrospective review of patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears undergoing fascia lata autograft bridging repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement technique between January 2017 and May 2018. Inclusion criteria were: patients treated arthroscopically for an incompletely reparable massive rotator cuff tear (dimension > 5 cm or two tendons fully torn), stage 0 to 4 supraspinatus fatty degeneration on MRI according to the Goutallier grading system, and an intact or reparable infraspinatus and/or subscapularis tendon of radiological classification Hamada 0 to 4. The surgical technique comprised two components: first, superior capsular reconstruction using an artificial ligament as an “internal brace” protective device for a fascia lata patch. The second was fascia lata autograft bridging repair for the torn supraspinatus. In all, 26 patients with a mean age 63.4 years (SD 6.2) were included.Aims
Methods
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) using trabecular metal (TM)-backed glenoid implants has been introduced with the aim to increase implant survival. Only short-term reports on the outcomes of TM-RTSA have been published to date. We aim to present the seven-year survival of TM-backed glenoid implants along with minimum five-year clinical and radiological outcomes. All consecutive elective RTSAs performed at a single centre between November 2008 and October 2014 were reviewed. Patients who had primary TM-RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy and osteoarthritis with deficient cuff were included. A total of 190 shoulders in 168 patients (41 male, 127 female) were identified for inclusion at a mean of 7.27 years (SD 1.4) from surgery. The primary outcome was survival of the implant with all-cause revision and aseptic glenoid loosening as endpoints. Secondary outcomes were clinical, radiological, and patient-related outcomes with a five-year minimum follow-up.Aims
Methods
Objectives. The bony shoulder stability ratio (BSSR) allows for quantification of the bony stabilisers in vivo. We aimed to biomechanically validate the BSSR, determine whether joint incongruence affects the stability ratio (SR) of a shoulder model, and determine the correct parameters (glenoid concavity versus humeral head radius) for calculation of the BSSR in vivo. Methods. Four
The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis. From January 2011 to January 2019, a total of 141 Affinis Short prostheses were implanted in 127 patients by a single surgeon. Mean age at time of surgery was 68 (44 to 89). Minimum one year and maximum eight year follow-up (mean 3.7 years) was analyzed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the endpoint. Most recently performed radiographs were reviewed for component radiolucent lines (RLLs) and proximal humeral migration.Aims
Methods
Existing literature indicates that inferiorly inclined glenoid baseplates following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) produce better outcomes compared to superiorly inclined baseplates. We aim to compare clinical outcomes for RSAs with superiorly and neutrally/inferiorly inclined lateralized glenospheres. We retrospectively reviewed 154 consecutive patients undergoing RSA between July 2015 and July 2017 by one single-fellowship trained surgeon (AJ). Two raters (KAM and MVS) independently measured glenoid inclination in preoperative and minimum two year follow-up radiographs (anteroposterior/Grashey) using the RSA angle. Inclination was then compared to patient-reported outcomes, range of motion (ROM), and independently assessed degree of scapular notching and staging of heterotopic ossification at two year follow-up.Aims
Methods
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. 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.Objectives
Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in revision and complication rates, functional outcomes, and radiological outcomes between cemented and press-fit humeral stems in primary anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted searching for studies that included patients who underwent primary anatomical TSA for primary osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.Aims
Materials and Methods
The aim of this study was to report the mid-term clinical outcome
of cemented unlinked J-alumina ceramic elbow (JACE) arthroplasties
when used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We retrospectively reviewed 87 elbows, in 75 patients with RA,
which was replaced using a cemented JACE total elbow arthroplasty
(TEA) between August 2003 and December 2012, with a follow-up of
96%. There were 72 women and three men, with a mean age of 62 years
(35 to 79). The mean follow-up was nine years (2 to 14). The clinical condition
of each elbow before and after surgery was assessed using the Mayo
Elbow Performance Index (MEPI, 0 to 100 points). Radiographic loosening
was defined as a progressive radiolucent line of >1 mm that was
completely circumferential around the prosthesis.Aims
Patients and Methods
Patients with a failed reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have limited salvage options. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of revision RSA when used as a salvage procedure for a failed primary RSA. We reviewed all revision RSAs performed for a failed primary RSA between 2006 and 2012, excluding patients with a follow-up of less than two years. A total of 27 revision RSAs were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of revision was 70 years (58 to 82). Of the 27 patients, 14 (52% were female). The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (2 to 10).Aims
Patients and Methods
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. 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.Aims
Patients and Methods
The Walch Type C dysplastic glenoid is characterized by excessive
retroversion. This anatomical study describes its morphology. A total of 29 shoulders with a dysplastic glenoid were analyzed.
CT was used to measure retroversion, inclination, height, width,
radius-of-curvature, surface area, depth, subluxation of the humeral
head and the Goutallier classification of fatty infiltration. The
severity of dysplasia and deficiency of the posterior rim of the
glenoid were recorded.Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims
Patients and Methods
Scapular notching is a frequently observed radiographic phenomenon
in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), signifying impingement of
components. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect
of glenoid component size and glenosphere type on impingement-free
range of movement (ROM) for extension and internal and external
rotation in a virtual RSA model, and to determine the optimal configuration
to reduce the incidence of friction-type scapular notching. Preoperative CT scans obtained in 21 patients (three male, 18
female) with primary osteoarthritis were analyzed using modelling
software. Two concurrent factors were tested for impingement-free
ROM and translation of the centre of rotation: glenosphere diameter
(36 mm Aims
Materials and Methods
Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is often challenging.
The aim of this study was to report on the clinical and radiological
results of revision arthroplasty of the elbow with the Latitude
TEA. Between 2006 and 2010 we used the Latitude TEA for revision in
18 consecutive elbows (17 patients); mean age 53 years (28 to 80);
14 women. A Kudo TEA was revised in 15 elbows and a Souter-Strathclyde
TEA in three. Stability, range of movement (ROM), visual analogue score (VAS)
for pain and functional scores, Elbow Functional Assessment Scale
(EFAS), the Functional Rating Index of Broberg and Morrey (FRIBM)
and the Modified Andrews’ Elbow Scoring System (MAESS) were assessed
pre-operatively and at each post-operative follow-up visit (six,
12 months and biennially thereafter). Radiographs were analysed
for loosening, fractures and dislocation. The mean follow-up was
59 months (26 to 89).Aims
Patients and Methods
We present the medium-term clinical results of a reverse total
shoulder arthroplasty with a trabecular metal glenoid base plate. We reviewed 125 consecutive primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties
(RTSA) implanted in 124 patients for rotator cuff arthropathy. There
were 100 women and 24 men in the study group with a mean age of
76 years (58 to 89). The mean follow-up was 32 months (24 to 60).
No patient was lost to follow-up.Aim
Patients and Methods
Promising medium-term results from total shoulder arthroplasty
(TSA) have been reported for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis
in young and middle-aged patients. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the long-term functional and radiological outcome of TSA
in the middle-aged patient. The data of all patients from the previous medium-term study
were available. At a mean follow-up of 13 years (8 to 17), we reviewed
21 patients (12 men, nine women, 21 shoulders) with a mean age of
55 years (37 to 60). The Constant-Murley score (CS) with its subgroups
and subjective satisfaction were measured. Radiological signs of implant
loosening were analysed.Aims
Patients and Methods
We evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes of total shoulder
arthroplasty (TSA) using the second-generation Trabecular Metal
(TM) Glenoid component. The first generation component was withdrawn
in 2005 after a series of failures were reported. Between 2009 and
2012, 40 consecutive patients with unilateral TSA using the second-generation
component were enrolled in this clinical study. The mean age of
the patients was 63.8 years (40 to 75) and the mean follow-up was
38 months (24 to 42). Patients were evaluated using the Constant score (CS), the American
Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and routine radiographs.Aims
Methods
We assessed the long-term (more than ten-year) outcomes of the
Kudo type-5 elbow prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
(RA). We reviewed 41 elbows (Larsen Grade IV, n = 21; Grade V, n =
20) in 31 patients with RA who had undergone a Kudo type-5 total
elbow arthroplasty (TEA) between 1994 and 2003, and had been followed
up for more than ten years. The humeral component was cementless
and the all-polyethylene ulnar component cemented in every patient. Clinical
outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score. We
calculated the revision rate and evaluated potential risk factors
for revision. The duration of follow-up was a mean 141 months (120
to 203).Aims
Materials and Methods
In the initial development of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA),
the humeral component was usually fixed with cement. Cementless
components were subsequently introduced. The aim of this study was
to compare the long-term outcome of cemented and cementless humeral
components in arthroplasty of the shoulder. All patients who underwent primary arthroplasty of the shoulder
at our institution between 1970 and 2012 were included in the study.
There were 4636 patients with 1167 cemented humeral components and
3469 cementless components. Patients with the two types of fixation
were matched for nine different covariates using a propensity score
analysis. A total of 551 well-balanced pairs of patients with cemented
and cementless components were available after matching for comparison
of the outcomes. The clinical outcomes which were analysed included loosening
of the humeral component determined at revision surgery, periprosthetic
fractures, post-operative infection and operating time.Aims
Patients and Methods
We describe the use of a protocol of irrigation and debridement
(I&
D) with retention of the implant for the treatment of periprosthetic
infection of a total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). This may be an attractive
alternative to staged re-implantation. Between 1990 and 2010, 23 consecutive patients were treated in
this way. Three were lost to follow-up leaving 20 patients (21 TEAs)
in the study. There were six men and 14 women. Their mean age was
58 years (23 to 76). The protocol involved: component unlinking,
irrigation and debridement (I&
D), and the introduction of antibiotic
laden cement beads; organism-specific intravenous antibiotics; repeat
I&
D and re-linkage of the implant if appropriate; long-term
oral antibiotic therapy. Aims
Patients and Methods
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. Different sizes of glenosphere and eccentricity were serially
tested in ten cadaveric shoulders using a custom shoulder movement
simulator.Aims
Methods
If a modular convertible total shoulder system
is used as a primary implant for an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty,
failure of the prosthesis or the rotator cuff can be addressed by
converting it to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), with retention
of the humeral stem and glenoid baseplate. This has the potential
to reduce morbidity and improve the results. In a retrospective study of 14 patients (15 shoulders) with a
mean age of 70 years (47 to 83) we reviewed the clinical and radiological
outcome of converting an anatomical shoulder arthroplasty (ASA)
to a RSA using a convertible prosthetic system (SMR system, Lima,
San Daniele, Italy). The mean operating time was 64 minutes (45 to 75). All humeral
stems and glenoid baseplates were found to be well-fixed and could
be retained. There were no intra-operative or early post-operative
complications and no post-operative infection. The mean follow-up was 43 months (21 to 83), by which time the
mean visual analogue scale for pain had decreased from 8 pre-operatively
to 1, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score from 12
to 76, the mean Oxford shoulder score from 3 to 39, the mean Western
Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Score from 1618 to 418 and
the mean Subjective shoulder value from 15 to 61. On radiological review, one patient had a lucency around the
humeral stem, two had stress shielding. There were no fatigue fractures
of the acromion but four cases of grade 1 scapular notching. The use of a convertible prosthetic system to revise a failed
ASA reduces morbidity and minimises the rate of complications. The
mid-term clinical and radiological results of this technique are
promising. Cite this article:
The LockDown device (previously called Surgilig)
is a braided polyester mesh which is mostly used to reconstruct the
dislocated acromioclavicular joint. More than 11 000 have been implanted
worldwide. Little is known about the tissue reaction to the device
nor to its wear products when implanted in an extra-articular site
in humans. This is of importance as an adverse immunological reaction
could result in osteolysis or damage to the local tissues, thereby affecting
the longevity of the implant. We analysed the histology of five LockDown implants retrieved
from five patients over the last seven years by one of the senior
authors. Routine analysis was carried out in all five cases and
immunohistochemistry in one. The LockDown device acts as a scaffold for connective tissue
which forms an investing fibrous pseudoligament. The immunological
response at the histological level seems favourable with a limited
histiocytic and giant cell response to micron-sized wear particles.
The connective tissue envelope around the implant is less organised
than a native ligament. Cite this article:
Patients with pain and loss of shoulder function
due to nonunion of a fracture of the proximal third of the humerus may
benefit from reverse total shoulder replacement. This paper reports
a prospective, multicentre study, involving three hospitals and
three surgeons, of 35 patients (28 women, seven men) with a mean
age of 69 years (46 to 83) who underwent a reverse total shoulder
replacement for the treatment of nonunion of a fracture of the proximal humerus.
Using Checchia’s classification, nine nonunions were type I, eight
as type II, 12 as type III and six as type IV. The mean follow-up
was 51 months (24 to 99). Post-operatively, the patients had a significant
decrease in pain (p <
0.001), and a significant improvement in
flexion, abduction, external rotation and Constant score (p <
0.001), but not in internal rotation. A total of nine complications
were recorded in seven patients: six dislocations, one glenoid loosening
in a patient who had previously suffered dislocation, one transitory
paresis of the axillary nerve and one infection. Reverse total shoulder replacement may lead to a significant
reduction in pain, improvement in function and a high degree of
satisfaction. However, the rate of complications, particularly dislocation,
was high. Cite this article:
Inherent disadvantages of reverse shoulder arthroplasty
designs based on the Grammont concept have raised a renewed interest
in less-medialised designs and techniques. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA)
with the fully-constrained, less-medialised, Bayley–Walker prosthesis performed
for the treatment of rotator-cuff-deficient shoulders with glenohumeral
arthritis. A total of 97 arthroplasties in 92 patients (53 women
and 44 men, mean age 67 years (standard deviation ( The Bayley–Walker prosthesis provides reliable pain relief and
reasonable functional improvement for patients with symptomatic
cuff-deficient shoulders. Compared with other designs of RSA, it
offers a modest improvement in forward elevation, but restores external
rotation to some extent and prevents scapular notching. A longer
follow-up is required to assess the survival of the prosthesis and
the clinical performance over time. Cite this article:
Medium-term results of the Discovery elbow replacement
are presented. We reviewed 51 consecutive primary Discovery total
elbow replacements (TERs) implanted in 48 patients. The mean age
of the patients was 69.2 years (49 to 92), there were 19 males and
32 females (37%:63%) The mean follow-up was 40.6 months (24 to 69).
A total of six patients were lost to follow-up. Statistically significant
improvements in range movement and Oxford Elbow Score were found
(p <
0.001). Radiolucent lines were much more common in, and
aseptic loosening was exclusive to, the humeral component. Kaplan–Meier
survivorship at five years was 92.2% (95% CI 74.5% to 96.4%) for
aseptic loosening. In four TERs, periprosthetic infection occurred
resulting in failure. A statistically significant association between
infection and increased BMI was found (p = 0.0268). Triceps failure
was more frequent after the Mayo surgical approach and TER performed
after previous trauma surgery. No failures of the implant were noted. Our comparison shows that the Discovery has early clinical results
that are similar to other semi-constrained TERs. We found continued
radiological surveillance with particular focus on humeral lucency
is warranted and has not previously been reported. Despite advances
in the design of total elbow replacement prostheses, rates of complication
remain high. Cite this article:
Unlinked, linked and convertible total elbow
arthroplasties (TEAs) are currently available. This study is the
first to report the clinical results of the convertible Latitude
TEA. This was a retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of 63
patients (69 primary TEAs) with a mean age of 60 years (23 to 87).
Between 2006 and 2008 a total of 19 men and 50 women underwent surgery.
The mean follow-up was 43 months (8 to 84). The range of movement,
function and pain all improved six months post-operatively and either
continued to improve slightly or reached a plateau thereafter. The
complication rate is similar to that reported for other TEA systems.
No loosening was seen. Remarkable is the disengagement of the radial
head component in 13 TEAs (31%) with a radial head component implanted. Implantation of both the linked and the unlinked versions of
the Latitude TEA results in improvement of function and decreased
pain, and shows high patient satisfaction at mid-term follow-up. Cite this article:
The indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty
(RSA) continue to be expanded. Associated impairment of the deltoid
muscle has been considered a contraindication to its use, as function
of the RSA depends on the deltoid and impairment of the deltoid
may increase the risk of dislocation. The aim of this retrospective
study was to determine the functional outcome and risk of dislocation
following the use of an RSA in patients with impaired deltoid function.
Between 1999 and 2010, 49 patients (49 shoulders) with impairment
of the deltoid underwent RSA and were reviewed at a mean of 38 months
(12 to 142) post-operatively. There were nine post-operative complications (18%),
including two dislocations. The mean forward elevation improved
from 50° ( These results suggest that pre-operative deltoid impairment,
in certain circumstances, is not an absolute contraindication to
RSA. This form of treatment can yield reliable improvement in function
without excessive risk of post-operative dislocation. Cite this article:
