Aims. The eccentric glenosphere was principally introduced into reverse
shoulder arthroplasty to reduce the incidence of scapular notching.
There is only limited information about the influence of its design
on
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
Aims. In patients with a rotator cuff tear, tear pattern and tendon involvement are known risk factors for the development of pseudoparalysis of the shoulder. It remains unclear, however, why similar tears often have very different functional consequences. The present study hypothesizes that individual shoulder anatomy, specifically the moment arms (MAs) of the rotator cuff (RC) and the
This pilot study reports the clinical outcomes
of a combination of partial subscapularis tendon transfer and small-head
hemiarthroplasty in patients with rotatator cuff arthropathy. A
total of 30 patients (30 shoulders; eight men and 22 women) with
a mean age of 74 years (55 to 84) were assessed at a mean follow-up
of 31 months (24 to 60). The inclusion criteria were painful cuff
tear arthropathy with normal
Aims. Conservative treatment of moderately displaced proximal humeral head fractures yields good clinical results, but secondary fragment displacement may occur. Identification of those fractures at risk of displacement may influence initial decision-making. Methods. A total of 163 shoulders in 162 patients with conservatively treated isolated proximal humeral fractures were included. The fractures occurred between January 2015 and May 2018. The mean age of the patients was 69 years (26 to 100) and the mean follow-up was 144 days (42 to 779). The fractures were classified according to Neer. Scores for osteoporosis (Tingart,
Aims. Despite the expansion of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder,
the open deltopectoral approach is increasingly used for the fixation
of fractures and arthroplasty of the shoulder. The anatomy of the
terminal branches of the posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA)
has not been described before. We undertook an investigation to
correct this omission. Patients and Methods. The vascular anatomy encountered during 100 consecutive elective
deltopectoral approaches was recorded, and the common variants of
the terminal branches of the PCHA are described. Results. In total, 92 patients (92%) had a terminal branch that crossed
the space between the
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
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
Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears. The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use. Cite this article:
Both anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA and rTSA) provide functional improvements. A reported benefit of aTSA is better range of motion (ROM). However, it is not clear which procedure provides better outcomes in patients with limited foward elevation (FE). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of aTSA and rTSA in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), an intact rotator cuff, and limited FE. This was a retrospective review of a single institution’s prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database for TSAs undertaken between 2007 and 2020. A total of 344 aTSAs and 163 rTSAs, which were performed in patients with OA and an intact rotator cuff with a minimum follow-up of two years, were included. Using the definition of preoperative stiffness as passive FE ≤ 105°, three cohorts were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and follow-up: stiff aTSAs (85) to non-stiff aTSAs (85); stiff rTSAs (74) to non-stiff rTSAs (74); and stiff rTSAs (64) to stiff aTSAs (64). We the compared ROMs, outcome scores, and complication and revision rates.Aims
Methods
This study aims to describe a new method that may be used as a supplement to evaluate humeral rotational alignment during intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion using the profile of the perpendicular peak of the greater tuberosity and its relation to the transepicondylar axis. We called this angle the greater tuberosity version angle (GTVA). This study analyzed 506 cadaveric humeri of adult patients. All humeri were CT scanned using 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.625 mm cubic voxels. The images acquired were used to generate 3D surface models of the humerus. Next, 3D landmarks were automatically calculated on each 3D bone using custom-written C++ software. The anatomical landmarks analyzed were the transepicondylar axis, the humerus anatomical axis, and the peak of the perpendicular axis of the greater tuberosity. Lastly, the angle between the transepicondylar axis and the greater tuberosity axis was calculated and defined as the GTVA.Aims
Methods
The liner design is a key determinant of the constraint of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The aim of this study was to compare the degree of constraint of rTSA liners between different implant systems. An implant company’s independent 3D shoulder arthroplasty planning software (mediCAD 3D shoulder v. 7.0, module v. 2.1.84.173.43) was used to determine the jump height of standard and constrained liners of different sizes (radius of curvature) of all available companies. The obtained parameters were used to calculate the stability ratio (degree of constraint) and angle of coverage (degree of glenosphere coverage by liner) of the different systems. Measurements were independently performed by two raters, and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to perform a reliability analysis. Additionally, measurements were compared with parameters provided by the companies themselves, when available, to ensure validity of the software-derived measurements.Aims
Methods
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. 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.Aims
Methods
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. 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).Aims
Methods
Bone defects are frequently observed in anterior shoulder instability. Over the last decade, knowledge of the association of bone loss with increased failure rates of soft-tissue repair has shifted the surgical management of chronic shoulder instability. On the glenoid side, there is no controversy about the critical glenoid bone loss being 20%. However, poor outcomes have been described even with a subcritical glenoid bone defect as low as 13.5%. On the humeral side, the Hill-Sachs lesion should be evaluated concomitantly with the glenoid defect as the two sides of the same bipolar lesion which interact in the instability process, as described by the glenoid track concept. We advocate adding remplissage to every Bankart repair in patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion, regardless of the glenoid bone loss. When critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss occurs in active patients (> 15%) or bipolar off-track lesions, we should consider anterior glenoid bone reconstructions. The techniques have evolved significantly over the last two decades, moving from open procedures to arthroscopic, and from screw fixation to metal-free fixation. The new arthroscopic techniques of glenoid bone reconstruction procedures allow precise positioning of the graft, identification, and treatment of concomitant injuries with low morbidity and faster recovery. Given the problems associated with bone resorption and metal hardware protrusion, the new metal-free techniques for Latarjet or free bone block procedures seem a good solution to avoid these complications, although no long-term data are yet available. Cite this article:
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). 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.Aims
Methods
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). 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.Aims
Methods
Long-term outcomes following the use of human dermal allografts in the treatment of symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate these outcomes, and to investigate whether this would be a good form of treatment in young patients in whom a reverse shoulder arthroplasty should ideally be avoided. This prospective study included 47 shoulders in 45 patients who underwent an open reconstruction of the rotator cuff using an interposition GraftJacket allograft to bridge irreparable cuff tears, between January 2007 and November 2011. The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), pain score, and range of motion (ROM) were recorded preoperatively and at one year and a mean of 9.1 years (7.0 to 12.5) postoperatively.Aims
Methods
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
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. 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.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 present study aimed to investigate the long-term functional
results of scapulothoracic fusion using multifilament cables in
patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) to identify if
the early improvement from this intervention is maintained. We retrospectively investigated the long-term outcomes of 13
patients with FSHD (18 shoulders) in whom scapulothoracic fusion
using multifilament cables was performed between 2004 and 2007.
These patients have previously been reported at a mean of 35.5 months
(24 to 87). There were eight men and five women with a mean age
of 26 years. Their mean length of follow-up of our current study
was 128 months (94 to 185). To evaluate long-term functional results,
the range of shoulder flexion and abduction, Quick Disabilities
of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were analyzed with
a comparison of preoperatively, interim and at the final outcomes. The
fusion was examined radiographically in all.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 reasons for failure of a hemirthroplasty (HA) when used to
treat a proximal humeral fracture include displaced or necrotic
tuberosities, insufficient metaphyseal bone-stock, and rotator cuff
tears. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is often the only
remaining form of treatment in these patients. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the clinical outcome after conversions from a failed
HA to rTSA. A total of 35 patients, in whom a HA, as treatment for a fracture
of the proximal humerus, had failed, underwent conversion to a rTSA.
A total of 28 were available for follow-up at a mean of 61 months
(37 to 91), having been initially reviewed at a mean of 20 months
(12 to 36) postoperatively. Having a convertible design, the humeral
stem could be preserved in nine patients. The stem was removed in
the other 19 patients and a conventional rTSA was implanted. At
final follow-up, patients were assessed using the American Shoulder
and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant Score, and plain radiographs.Aims
Material and Methods
Since long-term outcome of teres major tendon transfer surgery
for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff (RC) tears is largely
unknown, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term
outcome of the teres major transfer. We also aimed to report on
the results of a cohort of patients with a similar indication for
surgery that underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. In this prospective cohort study, we reported on the long-term
results of 20 consecutive patients with a teres major tendon transfer
for irreparable massive posterosuperior RC tears. Additionally,
we reported on the results of the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer
(n = 19). The mean age was 60 years (47 to 77). Outcomes included
the Constant score (CS), and pain at rest and during movement using
the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).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 analyze the results of reverse shoulder
arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with type 1 sequelae of a fracture
of the proximal humerus in association with rotator cuff deficiency
or severe stiffness of the shoulder. A total of 38 patients were included: 28 women and ten men. Their
mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 73 years (54 to 91). Before
the RSA, 18 patients had been treated with open reduction and internal
fixation following a fracture. A total of 22 patients had a rotator
cuff tear and 11 had severe stiffness of the shoulder with < 0°
of external rotation. The mean follow-up was 4.3 years (1.5 to 10).
The Constant score and the range of movement of the shoulder were
recorded preoperatively and at final follow-up. Preoperatively, radiographs in two planes were performed, as
well as CT or arthro-CT scans; radiographs were also performed at
final follow-up.Aims
Patients and Methods
We report the clinical results of glenoid osteotomy in patients
with atraumatic posteroinferior instability associated with glenoid
dysplasia. The study reports results in 211 patients (249 shoulders) with
atraumatic posteroinferior instability. The patients comprised 63
men and 148 women with a mean age of 20 years. The posteroinferior
glenoid surface was elevated by osteotomy at the scapular neck.
A body spica was applied to maintain the arm perpendicular to the
glenoid for two weeks postoperatively. Clinical results were evaluated
using the Rowe score and Japan Shoulder Society Shoulder Instability
Score (JSS-SIS); bone union, osteoarthrosis, and articular congruity
were examined on plain radiographs.Aims
Patients and Methods
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:
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 appropriate management for patients with a degenerative tear
of the rotator cuff remains controversial, but operative treatment,
particularly arthroscopic surgery, is increasingly being used. Our
aim in this paper was to compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic
with open repair of the rotator cuff. A total of 273 patients were recruited to a randomised comparison
trial (136 to arthroscopic surgery and 137 to open surgery) from
19 teaching and general hospitals in the United Kingdom. The surgeons
used their usual preferred method of repair. The Oxford Shoulder
Score (OSS), two years post-operatively, was the primary outcome
measure. Imaging of the shoulder was performed at one year after
surgery. The trial is registered with Current Controlled Trials,
ISRCTN97804283.Aims
Patients and Methods
Patient-specific glenoid guides (PSGs) claim an improvement in
accuracy and reproducibility of the positioning of components in
total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The results have not yet been
confirmed in a prospective clinical trial. Our aim was to assess
whether the use of PSGs in patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder
would allow accurate and reliable implantation of the glenoid component. A total of 17 patients (three men and 14 women) with a mean age
of 71 years (53 to 81) awaiting TSA were enrolled in the study.
Pre- and post-operative version and inclination of the glenoid were
measured on CT scans, using 3D planning automatic software. During
surgery, a congruent 3D-printed PSG was applied onto the glenoid
surface, thus determining the entry point and orientation of the
central guide wire used for reaming the glenoid and the introduction
of the component. Manual segmentation was performed on post-operative
CT scans to compare the planned and the actual position of the entry
point (mm) and orientation of the component (°).Aims
Patients and Methods
We report our experience with glenohumeral arthrodesis
as a salvage procedure for epilepsy-related recurrent shoulder instability.
A total of six patients with epilepsy underwent shoulder fusion
for recurrent instability and were followed up for a mean of 39 months
(12 to 79). The mean age at the time of surgery was 31 years (22
to 38). Arthrodesis was performed after a mean of four previous
stabilisation attempts (0 to 11) in all but one patient in whom
the procedure was used as a primary treatment. All patients achieved
bony union, with a mean time to fusion of 2.8 months (2 to 7). There
were no cases of re-dislocation. One revision was undertaken for
loosening of the metalwork, and then healed satisfactorily. An increase
was noted in the mean subjective shoulder value, which improved
from 37 (5 to 50) pre-operatively to 42 (20 to 70) post-operatively
although it decreased in two patients. The mean Oxford shoulder
instability score improved from 13 pre-operatively (7 to 21) to
24 post-operatively (13 to 36). In our series, glenohumeral arthrodesis
eliminated recurrent instability and improved functional outcome. Fusion
surgery should therefore be considered in this patient population.
However, since the majority of patients are young and active, they
should be comprehensively counselled pre-operatively given the functional
deficit that results from the procedure. Cite this article:
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
Some surgeons are reluctant to perform a reverse
total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) on both shoulders because of concerns
regarding difficulty with activities of daily living post-operatively
as a result of limited rotation of the shoulders. Nevertheless,
we hypothesised that outcomes and patient satisfaction following
bilateral RTSA would be comparable to those following unilateral
RTSA. A single-surgeon RTSA registry was reviewed for patients who underwent
bilateral staged RTSA with a minimum follow-up of two years. A unilateral
RTSA matched control was selected for each shoulder in those patients
undergoing bilateral procedures. The Constant–Murley score (CMS), American
Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Values
(SSV), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, range of movement and
strength were measured pre- and post-operatively. The mean CMS,
ASES, SSV, VAS scores, strength and active forward elevation were
significantly improved
(all p <
0.01) following each operation in those undergoing bilateral
procedures. The mean active external rotation (p = 0.63 and p =
0.19) and internal rotation (p = 0.77 and p = 0.24) were not significantly
improved. The improvement in the mean ASES score after the first
RTSA was greater than the improvement in its control group (p =
0.0039). The improvement in the mean CMS, ASES scores and active
forward elevation was significantly less after the second RTSA than
in its control group (p = 0.0244, p = 0.0183, and p = 0.0280, respectively).
Pain relief and function significantly improved after each RTSA
in those undergoing a bilateral procedure. Bilateral RTSA is thus a reasonable form of treatment for patients
with severe bilateral rotator cuff deficiency, although inferior
results may be seen after the second procedure compared with the
first. Cite this article:
