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Purpose: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has shown improvement in clinical outcomes for various conditions, although some authors expressed concern about the restoration of active internal rotation (AIR). The current study assesses preoperative and intraoperative predictive factors of AIR in patients having a Grammont-style RSA with a minimum five year follow-up. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicentric study, including patients operated on with a 155° Grammont-style RSA for cuff-related pathology or primary osteoarthritis with posterior subluxation or an associated cuff tear. Patients were clinically evaluated at a minimum of five year follow-up. Patients with previous surgery or those who had a tendon transfer with the RSA were excluded. Demographic parameters, BMI, preoperative notes, and operative reports were obtained from medical records. AIR was graded according to the constant score system from 0 to 10. Results: A total of 280 shoulders in 269 patients (mean age at surgery, 74.9 ± 5.9 years) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The average follow-up was 8.1 years (range, 5–16 years). Overall, AIR increased from 4.2 (SD 2.5, range 0 to 10) preoperatively to 5.9 (SD 2.6, range 0 to 10) at final follow-up. At the last follow-up, AIR increased in 56% of cases, was unchanged in 26% and decreased in 18%. In 188 shoulders (67%), internal rotation was functional and allowed patients to reach the level of L3 or higher. Multivariable linear regression found the following preoperative clinical factors predictive of worse AIR after RSA: male gender (ß = −1.25 [−2.10; −0.40]; p = 0.0042) and higher values of BMI (ß = −0.085 [−0.17; −0.0065]; p = 0.048). Two surgical factors were associated with better AIR after RSA: glenoid lateralization with BIO-RSA technique (ß = 0.80 [0.043; 1.56]; p = 0.039) and subscapularis repair (ß = 1.16 [0.29; 2.02]; p = 0.0092). Conclusions: With a mean of eight year follow-up (5 to 16 years), internal rotation was functional (≥ L3 level) in 67% of operated shoulders after Grammont-style RSA; however, two patients out of ten had decreased AIR after surgery. Male patients and those with higher BMIs had worse AIR, with glenoid lateralization (using the BIO-RSA technique) and subscapularis repair, as they are predictive of increased AIR after RSA. Level of evidence: Case series, Level IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since its first description, the concept of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has evolved. The term lateralization remains unclear and is used to describe implants that lateralize on the glenoid side, the humeral side, or both. The objective of this study was to provide a clear definition of lateralization and to measure the lateralization achieved by the most commonly used implants.Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight different configurations with 22 different implants were analyzed. Glenoid, humeral, and global lateralization was measured on digitized templates. Implant lateralization was normalized to the lateral offset of the Delta III. Each implant was defined as a combination of one of two glenoid categories (medialized glenoid (MG), lateralized glenoid (LG), and one of four humeral categories (medialized humerus (MH), minimally lateralized humerus (LH), lateralized humerus (LH+). In addition, implants were separated in categories of 5-mm increments for global offset (medialized RSA (M-RSA), minimally lateralized RSA (ML-RSA), lateralized RSA (L-RSA), highly lateralized RSA (HL-RSA), and very highly lateralized RSA (VHL-RSA).Results: The global lateral offset of the Delta III was 13.1 mm; global lateral offset of all designs in this study varied between 13.1 and 35.8 mm. Regarding their global lateral offset, five implants are M-RSA (lateral offset < 18.1 mm), five ML-RSA (18.1-23.1 mm), seven L-RSA (23.1-28.1 mm), six HL-RSA (28.1-33.1 mm), and one VHL-RSA (33.1-38.1 mm).Conclusion: There is high variability in the amount of lateralization provided by the majority of RSAs currently available. This descriptive analysis can help surgeons understand the features of implants in the market based on their lateralization in order to adapt the surgical technique depending on the expected lateral offset of the design being implanted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Secondary rotator cuff dysfunction is a recognized complication following shoulder arthroplasty. We hypothesized that the rate of secondary rotator cuff dysfunction would increase with follow-up and result in less satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes. Our aim was to investigate the rate of secondary rotator cuff dysfunction following shoulder arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis and identify factors associated with the dysfunction. Methods: Between 1991 and 2003, in ten European centers, 704 total shoulder arthroplasties were performed for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Complete radiographic and clinical follow-up of more than five years was available for 518 shoulders. The diagnosis of secondary rotator cuff dysfunction was made when moderate or severe superior subluxation of the prosthetic humeral head was present on radiographs. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with the development of rotator cuff dysfunction. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed, with the end point being secondary rotator cuff failure. Clinical outcome was assessed with use of the Constant score, a subjective assessment of the shoulder, and an evaluation of shoulder motion. Results: At an average of 103.6 months (range, sixty to 219 months) after shoulder arthroplasty, the rate of secondary rotator cuff dysfunction was 16.8%. Survivorship free of secondary cuff dysfunction was 100% at five years, 84% at ten years, and 45% at fifteen years. Duration of follow-up (p < 0.0001), implantation of the glenoid implant with superior tilt (p < 0.001), and fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus muscle (p < 0.05) were risk factors for the development of secondary cuff dysfunction. Patients with secondary rotator cuff dysfunction had significantly worse clinical outcomes (Constant score, subjective assessment, and range of motion; p < 0.0001) and radiographic results (radiolucent line score, radiographic loosening, glenoid component migration; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In this study, rates of secondary rotator cuff dysfunction with moderate or severe superior subluxation of the prosthetic humeral head increased with the duration of follow-up and significantly influenced the clinical and radiographic outcome of total shoulder arthroplasty performed for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Preoperative fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus muscle and implantation of the glenoid component with superior tilt were prognostic factors. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to radiographically analyze the long-term glenoid migration patterns following total shoulder arthroplasty to better understand the factors responsible for loosening. Methods: Complete radiographic follow-up of more than five years was available for 518 total shoulder arthroplasties performed for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with use of an anatomically designed prosthesis with a cemented, all-polyethylene, keeled glenoid component. Radiographs were assessed for humeral head subluxation, periprosthetic radiolucent lines, and shifting of the position of the glenoid component. The type of migration of the glenoid was defined according to the direction of tilt, or as subsidence in the case of medial migration. Results: Definite radiographic evidence of glenoid loosening was observed in 166 shoulders (32%) and was characterized by radiolucency of ≥2 mm over the entire bone-cement interface in thirty shoulders and by a migration of the glenoid component (shift or subsidence) in 136 shoulders. Three predominant patterns of migration of the glenoid component were observed: superior tilting in fifty-two shoulders (10%), subsidence in forty-one shoulders (7.9%), and posterior tilting in thirty-three shoulders (6.4%). Superior tilting of the glenoid was associated with three risk factors: low positioning of the glenoid component, superior tilt of the glenoid component on the immediate postoperative coronal plane radiographs, and superior subluxation of the humeral head (p < 0.05 for all). Subsidence of the glenoid component was associated with the use of reaming to optimize the seating and positioning of the glenoid component (p < 0.001). Posterior tilting of the glenoid component was associated with preoperative posterior subluxation (i.e., a Walch type-B glenoid) and with excessive reaming (p < 0.01 for both). Conclusions: The three patterns of migration observed in this study underscore the potential importance of the supporting bone beneath the glenoid component. In some shoulders, use of a keel or pegs to provide fixation of a polyethylene component in the absence of good support from subchondral bone may not be sufficient to resist compressive and eccentric forces, resulting in loosening. Preserving subchondral bone may be important for long-term longevity of the glenoid component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The development of modern shoulder replacement surgery started over half a century ago with the pioneering work done by CS Neer. Several designs for shoulder prostheses are now available, allowing surgeons to select the best design for each situation. When the rotator cuff is intact, unconstrained prostheses produce reliable and reproducible results, with prosthesis survival rates of 97% after 10 years and 84% after 20 years. In patients with three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus, the outcome of shoulder arthroplasty depends largely on healing of the greater tuberosity, which is therefore a major treatment objective. Factors crucial to greater tuberosity union include selection of the optimal prosthesis design, flawless fixation of the tuberosities, and appropriate postoperative immobilization. The reverse shoulder prosthesis developed by Grammont has been recognized since 1991 as a valid option for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Ten-year prosthesis survival rates are 91% overall (including trauma and revisions) and 94% for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with head migration. These good results are generating interest in the reverse shoulder prosthesis as a treatment option in situations where unconstrained prostheses are unsatisfactory (primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with marked glenoid cavity erosion; comminuted fractures in patients older than 75 years; post-traumatic osteoarthritis with severe tuberosity malunion or nonunion; massive irreparable rotator cuff tears with pseudoparalysis; failed rotator cuff repair; and proximal humerus tumor requiring resection of the rotator cuff insertions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The posterior bone block procedure is an uncommon surgical procedure used in the treatment of posterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this study is to report the results of the posterior bone block procedure in the treatment of posterior shoulder instability. We retrospectively reviewed 21 shoulders that had undergone a posterior bone block procedure in the treatment of recurrent posterior shoulder instability between 1984 and 2001. Fifteen patients (16 shoulders) had a prior traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation and 5 patients (5 shoulders) had a prior traumatic posterior glenohumeral subluxation. The mean age at surgery was 24.8 years (range 17–40 years). Patients were evaluated with the Constant score, the Duplay score, a subjective result, and radiography. Preoperatively, ten shoulders had glenoid fractures, two shoulders had loss of the normal contour of the posterior osseous glenoid, and ten shoulders had humeral head impaction fractures (reverse Hill-Sachs lesion). Seventeen shoulders underwent preoperative computed tomography and had average glenoid retroversion of 9.6° (range 0–21°). At an average follow-up of 6 years, all patients reported their subjective results as good or excellent. At follow-up the mean Constant score was 93.3 points (range 80–103 points), and the mean Duplay score was 85.6 points (range 40–100 points). Fifteen patients returned to sports at their pre-injury level. Three patients were considered clinical failures; one with a recurrent posterior dislocation and two with substantial posterior apprehension on follow-up examination. Two shoulders had glenohumeral arthritis on radiographs at the latest follow-up. The posterior bone block is a good treatment option for posterior dislocation. The risk of recurrent dislocation is low following this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The posterior bone block procedure is an uncommon surgical procedure used in the treatment of posterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this study is to report the results of the posterior bone block procedure in the treatment of posterior shoulder instability. We retrospectively reviewed 21 shoulders that had undergone a posterior bone block procedure in the treatment of recurrent posterior shoulder instability between 1984 and 2001. Fifteen patients (16 shoulders) had a prior traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation and 5 patients (5 shoulders) had a prior traumatic posterior glenohumeral subluxation. The mean age at surgery was 24.8 years (range 17-40 years). Patients were evaluated with the Constant score, the Duplay score, a subjective result, and radiography. Preoperatively, ten shoulders had glenoid fractures, two shoulders had loss of the normal contour of the posterior osseous glenoid, and ten shoulders had humeral head impaction fractures (reverse Hill-Sachs lesion). Seventeen shoulders underwent preoperative computed tomography and had average glenoid retroversion of 9.6 degrees (range 0-21 degrees ). At an average follow-up of 6 years, all patients reported their subjective results as good or excellent. At follow-up the mean Constant score was 93.3 points (range 80-103 points), and the mean Duplay score was 85.6 points (range 40-100 points). Fifteen patients returned to sports at their pre-injury level. Three patients were considered clinical failures; one with a recurrent posterior dislocation and two with substantial posterior apprehension on follow-up examination. Two shoulders had glenohumeral arthritis on radiographs at the latest follow-up. The posterior bone block is a good treatment option for posterior dislocation. The risk of recurrent dislocation is low following this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears involving the subscapularis are less common than those involving the superior aspect of the rotator cuff. The purpose of the present study was to report the results of repair of isolated tears of the subscapularis. METHODS: The records on eighty-four shoulders that had undergone open repair of the subscapularis tendon were reviewed. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 53.2 years. The mean interval from the onset of symptoms to the time of surgery was 12.5 months. Fifty-seven tears were traumatic, and twenty-seven were degenerative. Twenty-three tears involved the superior one-third of the subscapularis tendon, forty-one tears involved the superior two-thirds, and twenty tears were complete. Fifty-four shoulders had a dislocation or subluxation of the long head of the biceps tendon, and ten shoulders had a rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon. Forty-eight shoulders underwent concomitant biceps tenodesis, thirteen shoulders underwent concomitant biceps tenotomy, and four shoulders underwent concomitant recentering of the biceps. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a mean of forty-five months (range, twenty-four to 132 months) postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean Constant score increased from 55.0 points preoperatively to 79.5 points postoperatively. Seventy-five patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result. Preoperatively, four shoulders had mild glenohumeral arthritis. Postoperatively, twenty-five shoulders had mild glenohumeral arthritis and two shoulders had moderate glenohumeral arthritis. Tenodesis or tenotomy of the biceps tendon at the time of subscapularis repair was associated with improved subjective and objective results, independent of the preoperative condition of the biceps tendon. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of isolated subscapularis tears yields acceptable improvement in shoulder function in selected patients. Additionally, the results of the present study support routine tenodesis or tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon at the time of subscapularis repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rotator cuff tears involving the subscapularis are less common than those involving the superior aspect of the rotator cuff. The purpose of the present study was to report the results of repair of isolated tears of the subscapularis. Methods: The records on eighty-four shoulders that had undergone open repair of the subscapularis tendon were reviewed. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 53.2 years. The mean interval from the onset of symptoms to the time of surgery was 12.5 months. Fifty-seven tears were traumatic, and twenty-seven were degenerative. Twenty three tears involved the superior one-third of the subscapularis tendon, forty-one tears involved the superior two-thirds, and twenty tears wore complete. Fifty-four shoulders had a dislocation or subluxation of the long head of the biceps tendon, and ten shoulders had a rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon. Forty-eight shoulders underwent concomitant biceps tenodesis, thirteen shoulders underwent concomitant biceps tenotomy, and four shoulders underwent concomitant recentering of the biceps. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a mean of forty-five months (range, twenty-four to 132 months) postoperatively. Results: The mean Constant score increased from 55.0 points preoperatively to 79.5 points postoperatively. Seventy five patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result. Preoperatively, four shoulders had mild glenohumeral arthritis. Postoperatively, twenty-five shoulders had mild glenohumeral arthritis and two shoulders had moderate glenohumeral arthritis. Tenodesis or tenotomy of the biceps tendon at the time of subscapularis repair was associated with improved subjective and objective results, independent of the preoperative condition of the biceps tendon. Conclusions: Repair of isolated subscapularis tears yields acceptable improvement in shoulder function in selected patients. Additionally, the results of the present study support routine tenodesis or tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon at the time of subscapularis repair. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In shoulder arthroplasty, mismatch is defined as the difference in the radius or diameter of curvature between the humeral head and glenoid components. Recommendations for mismatch have not been substantiated scientifically. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mismatch on glenoid radiolucent lines. Methods: The results of 319 total shoulder arthroplasties performed for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis were evaluated. All of the arthroplasties were performed with a single type of prosthesis (Aequalis; Tornier, Montbonnot, France) that included a cemented, all-polyethylene glenoid component. Three sizes of glenoid components and seven humeral head diameters were utilized. Radial mismatch was categorized as ≤4 mm, 4.5 to 5.5 mm, 6 to 7 mm, or >7 to 10 mm. Radiographs were evaluated at a mean of 53.5 months (range, twenty-four to 110 months) postoperatively. Glenoid radiolucent lines were scored with a scale ranging from 0 points for no radiolucency to 18 points for radiolucent lines exceeding 2 mm in six zones. Variance, linear contrasts polynomial, quadratic polynomial contrast statistical, and linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between radial mismatch and glenoid radiolucent lines. Results: A significant linear relationship was found between mismatch and the glenoid radiolucency score (p < 0.0001), with significantly lower (better) radiolucency scores associated with radial mismatches of >5.5 mm. Conclusions: In this study of glenohumeral prosthetic mismatch ranging from 0 to 10 mm, the mismatch had a significant influence on the scores for the glenoid radiolucent lines, which were best when the radial mismatch was between 6 and 10 mm. The theoretical risk of prosthetic instability with larger mismatch values was not demonstrated within the range of mismatch values evaluated in this series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability caused by a humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesion has been studied, but very limited long-term evidence is available. Purpose: To retrospectively review patients with a HAGL lesion who underwent an open Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 16 patients with complete clinical and radiological data were available for a review. Clinical outcomes were assessed by range of motion, apprehension testing, the visual analog scale for pain, the Walch-Duplay score, the Rowe score, the Constant-Murley score, the Subjective Shoulder Value, and return to sports. Radiographs were reviewed for osteoarthritis and complications. Results: The median age of patients at the time of surgery was 28 years (range, 18-42 years). All patients were male with no hyperlaxity. The median follow-up time was 10 years (range, 2.8-15 years). Postoperative range of motion showed recovered forward elevation (median, 175°), external rotation (median, 62°), and internal rotation (median, 9 points). Overall, 87% returned to sports, with 68% to the same level and 93% satisfied or very satisfied. Median clinical outcomes were the following: visual analog scale score, 1 (range, 0-2); Walch-Duplay score, 86 (range, 75-100); Rowe score, 95 (range, 90-100); Constant-Murley score, 77 (range, 74-79); and Subjective Shoulder Value, 88% (range, 80%-95%). There were no recurrent dislocations or subluxations. One patient described mild long-term pain, and 1 patient had persistent stiffness. Other complications included 12% with subjective apprehension, 1 patient with a wound infection, and another patient with delayed bone graft union. Additionally, 56% of cases had mild postoperative arthritis at the final follow-up. There were no reoperations. Conclusion: The open Latarjet procedure provided good outcomes with acceptable complication rates in the long term for patients with HAGL lesions. It is an effective treatment option and a safe alternative to arthroscopic or open HAGL repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) is characterized by superior migration of the humeral head with superior erosion of the glenoid. Rarely, humeral head migration can be anteroinferior with associated anterior erosion of the glenoid, a pattern described by Favard as the type E4 glenoid. The purpose of this retrospective imaging study was to analyze the 2D and 3D characteristics of the E4 glenoid. Methods: A shoulder arthroplasty database of 258 cuff tear arthropathies was examined to identify patients with an E4 type deformity. This resulted in a study cohort of 15 females and 2 males with an average age of 75 years. All patients had radiographs and CT scans available for analysis. CT-scan DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) data were uploaded to a validated three-dimensional (3D) imaging software. Muscle fatty infiltration, glenoid measurements (anteversion, inclination), and humeral head subluxation according to the scapular plane were determined. Results: The mean anteversion and inclination of the E4 cohort were 32° ± 14° and −5° ± 2, respectively. The mean anterior subluxation was 19% ± 16%. All cases had severe grade 3 or 4 fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus, whereas only 65% had grade 3 or 4 subscapularis fatty infiltration. A significant correlation existed between glenoid anteversion and humeral head subluxation (p < 0.001), but no correlation was found with muscle fatty infiltration. The CT analysis demonstrated an acquired erosive biconcave morphology in 11 patients (65%) and monoconcavity in 6 patients (35%). Conclusion: The E4 type glenoid deformity in cuff tear arthropathy is characterized by an anterior erosion and anteversion associated with anterior subluxation of the humeral head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the pre-operative factors affecting anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA and RTSA) indications in primary osteoarthritis and compared outcomes in patients aged 70 years and older.Methods: Fifty-eight patients received a TSA with an all-polyethylene glenoid component (APGC) or an RTSA with/without glenoid lateralization and the same curved short-stem humeral component. Active anterior and lateral elevation (AAE, ALE), internal and external rotation (IR, ER), pain, and the Constant-Murley score (CS) were recorded pre and post-operatively. Pre-operative rotator cuff (RC) fatty infiltration (FI) and modified Walch glenoid morphology were assessed. Humeral and glenoid component radiological outcomes were recorded.Results: RTSA were older than TSA patients (p = 0.006), had lower pre-operative AAE (p < 0.001), ALE (p < 0.001), IR (p = 0.002), pain (p = 0.008) and CS (p < 0.001), and greater supraspinatus FI (p < 0.001). At a mean of 28.8 months, both implants yielded significantly different post-operative scores and similar complication rates. Both groups achieved similar post-operative AAE, ER, and IR; ALE was higher in TSA (p = 0.006); and AAE and ALE delta scores were higher in RTSA (p = 0.045 and p = 0.033, respectively). Radiolucent line rates were higher around the TSA APGC than the RTSA baseplate (p = 0.001). High-grade RC FI adversely affected mobility improvement. Humeral cortical thinning was significantly higher in TSA (p = 0.001).Conclusion: RTSA patients were older, had poorer pre-operative active mobility, and had greater RC FI than TSA. Both devices provided good mid-term clinical and ROM improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Latarjet procedure is a well-known, safe and reliable technique to treat primary or recurrent anterior dislocations or subluxations, with or without hyperlaxity, with or without glenoid bone loss. Both the open and the arthroscopic methods produce excellent clinical results, with a low rate of recurrent instability. There have been concerns of a higher surgical complication rate associated with this procedure, however, large reviews reported an overall complication rate in the open Latarjet procedure of 15%. Meticulous surgical technique and a good understanding of the local anatomy can help to avoid the complications but postoperative shoulder arthritis and frequent bone block osteolysis remain unsolved additional challenges, which require further research. There are 2 main factors to further improve the clinical outcome and patient satisfaction: careful patient selection with good surgical indication, and reducing complications with adequate surgical techniques. The aim of this study is to provide the current overview of the contraindications and complications of the Latarjet procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiographic stress shielding is a common finding in uncemented convertible short-stem shoulder arthroplasty (UCSSSA). The distal filling ratio (DFR) has been described as a predictor for the occurrence of stress shielding. A DFR > 70% was mentioned as a risk factor for the occurrence of stress shielding for some UCSSSA. However, measurements were only performed on conventional radiographs and no validation exists for 3D automated planning tools. Methods: DFR was manually measured on postoperative true ap radiographs of 76 shoulder arthroplasties using a standardized protocol and were compared to preoperative CT scans with an automated calculation of the DFR after virtual implantation of the stem. Results: The mean DFR measured on X-rays was 75.9% (SD = 8.7; 95% CI = 74–78) vs. 78.9% (SD = 9.1; 95% CI = 76.8–83) automatically measured on CT scans. This difference was significant (p < 0.001). In 7 out of 76 cases (9%) the difference between manual measurement on radiographs and computerized measurement on CT scans was > 10%. Conclusion: Manual measurement of the DFR is underestimated on conventional radiographs compared to automated calculation on CT scans be a mean of 3%. Therefore, automated measurement of the DFR on CT scans seems to be beneficial, especially in cases with osteopenic cortices. Manual measurement of the DFR on conventional ap radiographs in cases without CT scans, however, is still a viable alternative. Level of evidence: Level IV, retrospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: L’ère moderne de la chirurgie prothétique de l’épaule s’est ouverte, il y a plus de 50 ans, avec Neer. Des prothèses au concept différent sont disponibles et peuvent être utilisées en fonction des indications. Dans les cas de coiffe saine, les résultats des prothèses « anatomiques » sont maintenant parfaitement reproductibles et fiables. Les dernières courbes de survie rapportées font état dans ces étiologies d’un taux de survie des prothèses de 97 % à dix ans et 84 % à 20 ans. Dans le traitement des fractures céphalotubérositaires en trois ou quatre parties, le résultat des prothèses est lié à la consolidation du trochiter et tous les efforts doivent être tournés vers son obtention : dessin adapté de la prothèse, ostéosynthèse parfaite des tubérosités, immobilisation postopératoire. La prothèse inversée de Grammont a été validée depuis 1991 dans les omarthroses. Les courbes de survie montrent 91 % de survie à dix ans, toutes étiologies confondues (post-traumatiques et reprises incluses) et 94 % à dix ans pour les seules omarthroses excentrées. Du fait de ces résultats, les indications sont en train de s’étendre aux arthroses centrées avec usure importante de glène, aux fractures des gens âgés (>75 ans) où il est difficile d’obtenir la consolidation des tubérosités, aux arthroses post-traumatiques avec cals vicieux sévères, pseudarthroses ou lyses des tubérosités, aux ruptures massives de la coiffe des rotateurs non réparables et pseudoparalytiques, aux échecs de réparation de la coiffe des rotateurs et aux tumeurs dont l’exérèse nécessite le sacrifice des insertions de la coiffe des rotateurs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Uncemented short stem shoulder arthroplasty combines the advantages of a bone-saving implantation with a straightforward revision option. Uncemented humeral long stems can be associated with stress shielding and loosening. Therefore, we analysed the clinical and radiological outcome of a short stem shoulder prosthesis with metaphyseal fixation. Methods: This two-centre study included 82 total shoulder arthroplasties in 80 patients with short stem shoulder prosthesis and a cemented polyethylene glenoid performed between 2010 and 2012. Sixty-eight shoulders had primary osteoarthritis, eight shoulders had post traumatic sequelae and six had other diagnoses. Minimum follow-up was two years. Outcome data included the Constant Score (CS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Pain Scale (0-15) and range of motion. Radiographic evaluation was done in shoulders with primary osteoarthritis in a standard view. Results: The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 31.2 ± 7.2 months (20-52). CS improved from 36.7 ± 15.2 % to 90.4 ± 16.4 % and SSV improved from 39.4 ± 15.5 points to 85.5 ± 13.2 points ( p < 0.0001). Pain was rated as mild or none in 76 shoulders (92.7 %) with a mean value of 13.2 ± 2.6. The mean active flexion was 157.0 ± 24.7°, abduction was 152.6 ± 29.1° and the active external rotation was 38.2 ± 14.8° at recent follow-up. Radiographic assessment was done in 44 shoulders. Six shoulders (13.6 %) showed features of slight stress shielding at the medial cortex and no stem with subsidence was found. Three glenoids (6.8 %) had minor radiolucent lines. Conclusions: Uncemented short stem shoulder arthroplasty with a cemented polyethylene glenoid can yield a stable fixation with a good clinical outcome at minimum follow-up of two years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early glenohumeral impingement leads to poor range of motion and notching in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The aim was to find from planning software which implant configuration provides the best motions in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Patients and Methods: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty planning (Glenosys) was made in 31 patients (12 men, 19 women, 76 ± 6 yo) and impingements were analyzed. Inlay (155°-inclined) and Onlay (145°-inclined) humeral designs were tested. Four configurations were tested for each shoulder: "INLAY": non-lateralized glenoid-inlay humerus, "BIO-INLAY": lateralized glenoid (BIO-RSA)-inlay humerus, "ONLAY": non-lateralized glenoid-onlay humerus, and "BIO-ONLAY": lateralized (BIO-RSA) glenoid-onlay humerus. Results: BIO-ONLAY and BIO-INLAY groups presented a significantly better result in all tested motion (p < 0.001 for all tests). BIO-ONLAY allowed a significantly better external rotation, extension and adduction than BIO-INLAY with decreased impingements with the pilar. BIO-INLAY presented a significantly better abduction. In abduction, an abutment of the greater tuberosity against the acromion was associated with a lower range of motion (p < 0.0001) and did not depend on the lateralization. Conclusion: Glenoid lateralization delays the glenohumeral impingement in reverse shoulder arthroplasty and gives the best rotations, adduction and extension when associated with neutral inclination and humeral 145° inclination. Greater tuberosity abutment has to be avoided in abduction and the Inlay design provides the best abduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding of biomechanical changes induced by reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), discuss the different techniques of radiographic assessment of upper limb lengthening after RSA and determine the ideal soft tissue tension that provides the best functional outcome without increasing the risk of complications. Methods: Inclusion criteria were articles in which the primary interest was the technique of measuring upper-extremity lengthening after complications related to lengthening and its role in postoperative function; those written in English, French or German; and those that provided evidence levels I-IV relevant to search terms. Results: Seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Postoperatively, changes in humeral length varied from minus five to five millimetres, and changes in upper-extremity length varied from 15 mm to 27 mm. The acromiohumeral distance averaged 23 mm. Humeral and arm shortening increased the risk of dislocation and led to poor anterior active elevation. The type of surgical approach did not play a role in postoperative function. Subclinical neurological lesions were frequent. Conclusions: Studies in this systematic review indicate that deltoid tensioning by restoring humeral length and increasing the acromiohumeral distance is critical for adequate postoperative function and to prevent dislocation. Excessive arm lengthening should be avoided, with zero to two centimetres of lengthening being a reasonable goal to avoid postoperative neurological impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have been widely expanded, but only a few studies report the long-term survival of these implants. Our objective was to report the long-term survivorship of a large series of RSAs implanted for different etiologies. Methods. A retrospective multicenter study including all the RSAs was performed in six shoulder-specialized centers with at least 2 years of follow up. We reviewed 1611 RSAs, operated between 1993 and 2010, including 497 cuff-tear arthropathies (CTA), 239 revision RSAs, 188 massive cuff tears (MCT), 185 fracture sequelae (FS), 183 failed previous cuff repairs (FCR), and 142 primary osteoarthritis (POA). The mean follow-up was 5.6 ± 3.9 years (range 2–20). Results. Overall, 266 RSAs (16.5%) had at least one complication leading to 64 reoperations (4.0%) and 110 revision surgeries (6.8%). The most frequent complications were infection (3.8%), instability (2.8%), and humerus-related complications (2.8%). At 10 years, the survival without revision surgery was 91.0% in primary RSAs and 80.9% in revision RSAs for failed arthroplasty (p < 0.001). In the primary RSA group, MCT and FCR led to 10-year survivals for over 95% but fracture sequelae and tumors had the lowest 10-year survivals (83.9% and 53.1%). Younger patients had a lower 10-year survival. In revision RSAs, male patients had a significantly lower survival than females (72.3% vs. 84.5% at 10 years, p = 0.020). Discussion. Primary RSA for cuff-deficient shoulders or POA leads to a high 10-year survival, but revision RSA or primary RSA for FS and tumors are at high-risk for revision. Surgeons should be aware of high rates of complications and lower survival rates of RSA in younger patients, in males, and in RSAs for revision surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers step-by-step instructions for carrying out reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with a biconcave glenoid.

The article focuses on approach to manage and prevent shoulder arthroplasty complications. It discusses the mean interval from arthroplasty to fracture and recommends treatments including type C (loose humeral component), type B (well-fixed humeral component), and type A (loose humeral component). It highlights the classifications of periprosthetic infections and their respective treatments including for acute infections, positive cultures, and for chronic infection.

Background: Glenohumeral instability is a common problem in young and active patients. Both open and arthroscopic procedures have proven to be effective options. In cases with large bone defects on the glenoid side or on the humeral head or in contact sports, arthroscopy leads to a high risk of recurrence. We report the results of the modified Latarjet procedure in a population of 26 soccer players affected by chronic anterior instability. To our knowledge there are no previous reports on the results of this procedure when used in a homogeneous group of sportsmen. Materials and methods: Twenty-six patients (28 shoulders) were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed the roles of the players, the levels at which they played, and the average amount of hours that they trained before their injury and after surgery. Moreover, the type of bone loss detected on a preoperative imaging study and its relevance to the patient's sporting comeback was recorded. Results: Eight-five months after surgery the mean Duplay score was 89.3; most of the players came back to the play at the same sporting level. Ninety-three percent of the patients were happy or very happy with their functional results. One patient underwent a redislocation. Conclusions: Our series is the first in the literature to refer to a homogeneous group of soccer players. According to our results, and other series, the Latarjet procedure seems to be the gold standard in the treatment of chronic anterior instability in patients with large bone defects and in sportsmen playing contact sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a review the concepts for arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. It also evaluates the objective, subjective and radiographic results of the palliative procedures. It states that the isolated arthrosopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis is a valuable option for the rotator cuff tears treatment and gives favorable results in patient with full thickness rotator cuff tears. Moreover, tenotomy or tenodesis reduces pain and improves functional range of motion. However, tenotomy or tenodesis does not improve shoulder strength.

The article discusses a lecture on the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Annual Meeting in 2006. The authors believe that RTSA is a powerful tool for managing problems in relatively older and less active patients. Among the topics covered in this lecture were socioeconomic considerations, possible applications and complications.

Introduction: It has been well established that the subscapularis is divided in two different parts with a tendinous insertion at its superior two-thirds and a muscular attachment on its inferior third. The objective of this cadaveric study was to follow the muscular insertion of the subscapularis medially in order to determine the origin of this inferior muscle insertion and whether a subscapularis minor can be individualized Materials and methods: Twenty-six shoulders from thirteen fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens (5 males and 8 females; mean age, 74.4 years) were dissected in our anatomy lab. The humeral insertion of the subscapularis was then analyzed, and the inferior muscular part of the insertion was identified. The muscle fibers were followed medially until their scapular origin which was recorded as line drawings and photographs. We measured the dimensions of both the humeral insertion and of the scapular origin of the fibers going to the muscular portion. Results: In all cases, the fibres going to the tendinous portion and those going to the muscular portion of the insertion had a different orientation. The fibres going to the muscular portion of the humeral insertion did not originate from the subscapularis fossa but on the glenoid neck and in a depression at the infero-lateral part of the scapular pillar. The mean length of the superior tendinous portion of the humeral insertion was 3.42 cm (± 0.43 cm); the mean length of the inferior muscular portion of the humeral insertion was 1.88 cm (± 0.80 cm). The mean length of the scapular origin in the depression at the infero-lateral part of the scapular pillar of the fibres going to the muscular portion of the humeral insertion was 3.7 cm (± 0.17 cm). Conclusion: The fibres of the subscapularis do not all originate from the subscapularis fossa. An additional origin exists at the inferior part of the glenoid neck and in a depression at the infero-lateral part of the scapular pillar. The fibers which originate at this location all insert on the humerus at the muscular portion of the subscapularis humeral insertion. This portion however does not seem to correspond to the so-called subscapularis minor which has been previously described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shorter humeral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) stems may reduce stress shielding, however, potentially carry the risk of varus/valgus malalignment. This radiographic study's purpose was to measure the incidence of stem malalignment and thus the realized neck-shaft angle (NSA). The hypothesis was that malalignment of the stem is a frequent postoperative radiographic finding.Methods: Radiographs of an uncemented curved short stem RTSA with a 145° NSA were reviewed. The study group included 124 cases at a mean age of 74 (range 48-91) years. The humeral stem axis was measured and defined as neutral if the value fell within ± 5° of the longitudinal humeral axis. Angular values > 5° were defined as malaligned in valgus or varus. The filling ratio of the implant within the humeral shaft was measured at the level of the metaphysis (FRmet) and diaphysis (FRdia).Results: The average humeral stem axis angle was 4 ± 3° valgus, corresponding to a true mean NSA of 149 ± 3°. Stem axis was neutral in 73% (n = 90) of implants. Of the 34 malaligned implants, 82% (n = 28) were in valgus (NSA = 153 ± 2°) and 18% (n = 6) in varus (NSA = 139 ± 1°). The average FRmet and FRdia were 0.68 ± 0.11 and 0.72 ± 0.11, respectively. A low positive association was found between stem diameter and filling ratios (r = 0.39; p < 0.001); indicating smaller stem sizes were more likely to be misaligned.Conclusion: Uncemented short stem implants may decrease stress shielding; however, approximately one quarter were implanted > 5° malaligned. The majority of malaligned components (86%) were implanted in valgus, corresponding to an NSA of > 150°. As such, surgeons must be aware that shorter and smaller stems may lead to axial malalignment influencing the true SA.Level Of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to identify risk factors related to postoperative instability after reverse shoulder arthroplasty and evaluate the modalities and results of treatments in a large series of patients, with medium to long-term follow-up. Methods: Retrospective multicenter series of 1035 consecutive Grammont type reverse shoulder arthroplasties implanted between 1992 and 2010. 19.9% had a reverse shoulder arthroplasty with bony lateralization on the glenoid side. Patients were reviewed and radiographed with minimum five years' follow-up. Results: At a mean follow-up of eight years, the overall rate of postoperative instability was 3.0%. Instability was more frequent in case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for revision surgery, in younger patients, in case of scapular notching, and tuberosity resorption. Lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties were associated with a lower instability rate. A reoperation to restore stability was needed in 70% of cases. The improvement in Constant Score was lower in patients with unstable reverse shoulder arthroplasties when compared to stable reverse shoulder arthroplasties. Conclusions: Younger patients are at higher risk for instability after Grammont type reverse shoulder arthroplasty implantation. Conversely, lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties resulted protective. When conservative treatment had failed, shoulder stability can be obtained with reoperation or prosthetic revision (needed in 70% of the cases), but to the price of lower functional results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Efforts during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have typically focused on maximizing ROM in elevation and external rotation and avoiding scapular notching. Improving internal rotation (IR) is often overlooked, despite its importance for functional outcomes in terms of patient self-care and hygiene. Although determinants of IR are multifactorial, it is unable to surpass limits of bony impingement of the implant. Identifying implant configurations that can reduce bony impingement in a computer model will help surgeons during preoperative planning and also direct implant design and clinical research going forward.Questions/purposes: In a CT-modeling study, we asked: What reverse total shoulder arthroplasty implant position improves the range of impingement free internal rotation without compromising other motions (external rotation and extension)?Methods: CT images stored in a deidentified teaching database from 25 consecutive patients with Walch A1 glenoids underwent three-dimensional templating for RSA. Each template used the same implant and configuration, which consisted of an onlay humeral design and a 36-mm standard glenosphere. The resulting constructs were virtually taken through ROM until bony impingement was found. Variations were made in the RSA parameters of baseplate lateralization, glenosphere size, glenosphere overhang, humeral version, and humeral neck-shaft angle. Simulated ROM was repeated after each parameter was changed individually and then again after combining multiple changes into a single configuration. The impingement-free IR was calculated and compared between groups. We also evaluated the effect on other ROM including external rotation and extension to ensure that configurations with improvements in IR were not associated with losses in other areas.Results: Combining lateralization, inferiorization, varus neck-shaft angle, increased glenosphere size, and increased humeral anteversion resulted in a greater improvement in internal rotation than any single parameter change did (median baseline IR: 85° [interquartile range 73° to 90°]; combined changes: 119° [IQR 113° to 121°], median difference: 37° [IQR 32° to 43°]; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Increased glenosphere overhang, varus neck-shaft angle, and humeral anteversion improved internal rotation in a computational model, while glenoid lateralization alone did not. Combining these techniques led to the greatest improvement in IR.Clinical Relevance: This computer model study showed that various implant changes including inferiorization, varus neck-shaft angle, increased glenosphere size, and increased humeral anteversion can be combined to increase impingement-free IR. Surgeons can employ these currently available implant configurations to improve IR when planning and performing RSA. These findings support the need for further clinical studies validating the effect of implant configuration on resultant IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The degree of preoperative osteoarthritis has been shown to influence the postoperative outcome and the patients' satisfaction rate in hip and knee joint replacement surgery. However, no corresponding information is available for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). We therefore set out to evaluate the influence of preoperatively measured end-stage osteoarthritis on the postoperative clinical outcome of TSA.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 103 anatomic total shoulder replacements (96 patients) was performed. Patients were evaluated radiologically with X-rays in two planes and clinically using the Constant and Murley score (CS) and the self-reported satisfaction with the result. The degree of osteoarthritis was radiographically analyzed with the aid of the classifications according to Kellgren/Lawrence, Gerber, Guyette, and Allain and according to whether complete narrowing of the glenohumeral joint was present or not [bone-on-bone contact (BOB) or no bone-on-bone contact (No BOB)].Results: The clinical results of TSA did not differ significantly among the various stages of osteoarthritis in any of the classifications (p > 0.05). The CS was significantly higher postoperatively for both the BOB and the No BOB group (p < 0.0001). Patients with BOB had a significantly lower CS preoperatively than patients with No BOB (p = 0.0172). In addition, the preoperative pain level was significantly higher in patients with BOB (p = 0.014). Postoperatively, no significant difference in CS (p = 0.6738) was found between the BOB group and the No BOB group. The mean improvement in CS was not statistically significant (p = 0.2218).Conclusion: In contrast to hip and knee joint replacement procedures, a milder grade of osteoarthritis does not adversely influence the functional result or subjective satisfaction rate after TSA. The degree of osteoarthritis on conventional X-rays has no bearing on the postoperative clinical outcome. Therefore, the decision on when to carry out anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty should depend on the patient's pain level and loss of quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine how different combinations of humeral stem and glenosphere designs for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) influence range of motion (ROM) and muscle elongation.Methods: A computed tomography scan of a non-pathologic shoulder was used to simulate all shoulder motions, and thereby compare the ROM and rotator cuff muscle lengths of the native shoulder versus 30 combinations of humeral components (1 inlay straight stem with 155° inclination and five onlay curved stems with 135°, 145° or 155° inclinations, using concentric, medialized or lateralized trays) and glenospheres (standard, large, lateralized, inferior eccentric and bony increased-offset (BIO-RSA)).Results: Only five of the 30 combinations restored ≥ 50% of the native ROM in all directions: the 145° onlay stem (concentric tray) combined with lateralized or inferior eccentric glenospheres and the 145° stem (lateralized tray) combined with either a large, lateralized or inferior eccentric glenosphere. Lengthening of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, observed for all configurations, was greatest using onlay stems (7-30%) and BIO-RSA glenospheres (13-31%). Subscapularis lengthening was observed for onlay stems combined with BIO-RSA glenospheres (5-9%), while excessive subscapularis shortening was observed for the inlay stem combined with all glenospheres except the BIO-RSA design (> 15%).Conclusions: The authors suggest implanting 145° onlay stems, with concentric or lateralized trays, together with lateralized or inferior eccentric glenospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Osteoarthritis may be observed after surgery for instability and in the natural history of pathology. The primary objective was to analyze the late clinical and radiographic results of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSA) for patients who had instability arthropathy.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort of 25 patients with a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. Patients had a history of instability surgery (80%) or multiple closed reductions. All were clinically evaluated with the constant score (CS), and radiologically (true AP view and Y view).Results: No significant differences in pre- and post-operative function, radiologic status, and complication rate between the patients treated with a prior bone block procedure for the anterior instability and those treated by a capsular plication or non-operatively. A 36-mm sphere was implanted in 67%. Bone grafting of the glenoid was needed in 71%. No intra-operative complication has been reported. Clinically, the active anterior elevation increased from 70° to 140° (p < 0.01) and external rotation from 9° to 21° (p = 0.02). The adjusted CS increased from 38 to 98 (p < 0.01). Two early post-operative complications were collected: one spine fracture and one superficial infection. No early or late dislocation or neurologic complication was observed. At the latest follow-up, there were 38.10% of glenoid spurs, and 55% of scapular notch.Conclusions: The overall complication rate in this specific group is relatively low. Patients' satisfaction rate is high and clearly higher than those reported with anatomic TSA for this indication. Clinical results are comparable to other studies describing results of RSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the short-term clinical results of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with a short-stem prosthesis in primary osteoarthritis.Materials and Methods: 65 shoulders with a mean age of 70 years (range 47-85 years) were available for minimum follow-up of 24 months. Clinical outcome was determined by range of motion, Constant score (CS) age and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS%), and subjective shoulder value (SSV). The influence of six different factors (high bone adaptations, age > 65 years, female gender, dominant side, atrophy of the supraspinatus tendon ≥ grade 2, glenoid type B2/B3) on the clinical outcome was assessed.Results: At mean follow-up of 37 months (range 24-58 months), the CS improved from 36 ± 8 to 75 ± 12 (p < 0.001). The shoulder flexion (100° ± 21° to 159° ± 19°) as well as the external rotation (3° ± 11° to 43° ± 18°) improved significantly (p < 0.001). Three complications were noted (transient neuropraxia of the radial nerve, subjective instability, hematoma with superficial wound infection) leading to one revision surgery (wound debridement). No stem loosening was observed. High bone adaptation was present in 19 out of 65 shoulders (29%). The clinical outcome was not influenced by high bone adaptations (p ≥ 0.095). Age > 65 years (n = 44) and female gender (n = 38) were associated with worse clinical outcome (p ≤ 0.043).Conclusions: In the short term, the clinical results of this anatomical short-stem shoulder prosthesis are encouraging. A low prevalence of high bone adaptations was found without any influence on the clinical outcome and stem loosening was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Glenoid loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is influenced by the position of the glenoid component. 3D planning software and patient-specific guides seem to improve positioning accuracy, but their respective individual application and role are yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of freehand implantation after 3D pre-operative planning and to compare its accuracy to that of a targeting guide.Method: Seventeen patients scheduled for TSA for primary glenohumeral arthritis were enrolled in this prospective study. Every patient had pre-operative planning, based on a CT scan. Glenoid component implantation was performed freehand, guided by 3D views displayed in the operating room. The position of the glenoid component was determined by manual segmentation of post-operative CT scans and compared to the planned position. The results were compared to those obtained in a previous work with the use of a patient-specific guide.Results: The mean error for the central point was 2.89 mm (SD ± 1.36) with the freehand method versus 2.1 mm (SD ± 0.86) with use of a targeting guide (p = 0.05). The observed difference was more significant (p = 0.03) for more severely retroverted glenoids (> 10°). The mean errors for version and inclination were respectively 4.82° (SD ± 3.12) and 4.2° (SD ± 2.14) with freehand method, compared to 4.87° (SD ± 3.61) and 4.39° (SD ± 3.36) with a targeting guide (p = 0.97 and 0.85, respectively).Conclusion: 3D pre-operative planning allowed accurate glenoid component positioning with a freehand method. Compared to the freehand method, patient-specific guides slightly improved the position of the central point, especially for severely retroverted glenoids, but not the orientation of the component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical studies suggest that reaming of the subchondral bone layer to achieve good implant seating is a risk factor for glenoid loosening. This study aims to evaluate (1) the importance of the subchondral bone layer and (2) the influence of the design of the glenoid component.Methods: Different techniques for preparation of an A1 glenoid were compared: (1) preserving the subchondral bone layer; (2) removal of the subchondral bone layer; (3) implantation of a glenoid component that does not adapt to the native anatomy. Artificial glenoid bones (n = 5 each) were used with a highly standardized preparation and implantation protocol. Biomechanical testing was performed during simulated physiological shoulder motion. Using a high-resolution optical system, the micromotions between implant and bone were measured up to 10,000 motion cycles.Results: At the 10,000 cycle measuring point, significantly more micromotions were found in the subchondral layer removed group than in the subchondral layer preserved group (p = 0.0427). The number of micromotions in the nonadapted group was significantly higher than in the subchondral layer preserved group (p = 0.0003) or the subchondral layer removed group (p = 0.0207).Conclusion: Conservative reaming proved important to diminish the micromotions of the glenoid component. Implantation of a glenoid component that matches with the bony underlying glenoid can help to preserve the subchondral bone layer without sacrificing proper implant seating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Walch B3 glenoid is theorized to be a progression of the B2 biconcave pattern. The present study aimed to compare glenoid indices between B2 and B3 patterns. We hypothesized that the B3 pattern would have significantly worse retroversion, inclination and medialization. Methods Computed tomography scans of 50 patients with B2 erosions [mean (SD) age 68 (9) years; 25 male] and 50 patients with B3 erosions [mean (SD) age 72 (8) years; 22 males] were converted into three-dimensional reconstructions. Retroversion, inclination, medialization and humeral head subluxation were compared. Results The data demonstrated no statistically significant differences [mean (SD)] between groups when assessing retroversion: B2 = 21 (8)°, B3 = 24 (7)° (p = 0.602); glenoid inclination: B2 = 9 (6)°, B3 = 8 (6)° (p = 0.967); or medialization: B2 = 12 (4) mm, B3 = 14 (4) mm (p = 0.384). In the B2 group, the mean (SD) humeral head subluxation was 80% (10%) according to the scapular plane and 55% (9%) according to the glenoid plane, which was not statistically different from the B3 group with a mean (SD) humeral head subluxation of 81% (7%) according to the scapular plane (p = 0.680) and 54% (7%) according to the glenoid plane (p = 0.292). Conclusions These results demonstrated no significant differences between the B2 and B3 erosion patterns, with respect to the glenoid indicies measured. The aetiology of the B3 glenoid cannot be completely explained by progression of wear in a B2 glenoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glenoid replacement in cases of severe glenoid retroversion (RV) or eccentric wear is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate different treatment methods under standardized conditions to assist surgeons in the decision-making process.Methods: Three treatment options for severe glenoid RV (15°) were compared: (1) no RV correction; (2) complete RV correction; (3) no RV correction and implantation of a posterior augmented glenoid (PAG). A highly standardized implantation protocol using artificial glenoid bones (five per group) was chosen, and a physiologic shoulder movement was applied in a biomechanical setting. Micromotions (MM) between glenoid components and bone were quantified using an optical 3D measuring system.Results: In the uncorrected retroversion group, three instances of subluxation of the prosthetic head occurred between 2000 and 4000 cycles. At 2000 cycles, significantly more MM were observed in the uncorrected RV group than in the corrected RV group (p < 0.0001) or to the augmented group (p < 0.0001). At 10|000 cycles, more MM were observed in the posterior augmented group than in the corrected RV group (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: If sufficient bone stock is available, retroversion correction should be favored. Posterior augmented glenoids seem to be a suitable treatment option if complete correction of the retroversion is not possible without compromising the glenoid vault. Without correction of the retroversion, high failure rates were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of different glenoid configurations on arm position and range of motion (ROM) following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The hypothesis was that different glenoid configurations would lead to changes in humeral offset, acromio-humeral distance (AHD), ROM, and rotator cuff muscle length.Methods: Using a three-dimensional (3D) computer model, implantation of an RSA was simulated with a 145° onlay humeral stem combined with five different glenoid configurations which varied in diameter and centre of rotation. Glenoid offset, the AHD, ROM, and muscle length were evaluated for each configuration.Results: Changing glenoid design led to up to a 10 mm change in offset and a 3 mm change in the AHD. There was 7° of improvement in abduction and flexion between the different glenoid designs. Two of the configurations, the 36 mm centered and the BIO-RSA, had an adduction deficit. In extension and external rotation arm with the arm at side, the eccentric 36 mm glenosphere was the best configuration while the centered 36 mm glenosphere was the worst configuration. The 42 mm glenosphere limited external rotation at 90° of abduction.Conclusions: Varying the glenosphere configurations leads to ROM and muscle length changes following RSA. With a 145° onlay humeral stem, a 36 eccentric glenosphere theoretically optimizes ROM while limiting scapular notching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative computed tomography (CT) measurements of glenoid version and inclination are recommended for planning glenoid implantation in shoulder arthroplasty. However, current manual or semi-automated 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) methods are user-dependent and time-consuming. We assessed whether the use of a 3D automated method is accurate and reliable to measure glenoid version and inclination in osteoarthritic shoulders.Methods: CT scans of osteoarthritic shoulders of 60 patients scheduled for shoulder arthroplasty were obtained. Automated, surgeon-operated, image analysis software (Glenosys; Imascap) was developed to measure glenoid version and inclination. The anatomic scapular reference planes were defined as the mean of the peripheral points of the scapular body as well as the plane perpendicular to it, passing along the supraspinatus fossa line. Measurements were compared with those obtained using previously described manual or semi-automated methods, including the Friedman version angle on 2D CTs, Friedman method on 3D multiplanar reconstructions (corrected Friedman method), Ganapathi-Iannotti and Lewis-Armstrong methods on 3D volumetric reconstructions (for glenoid version), and Maurer method (for glenoid inclination).The mean differences (and standard deviation) and the concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) were calculated. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently examined the images for the interobserver analysis, with one of them measuring them twice more for the intraobserver analysis; interobserver and intraobserver reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).Results: The mean difference in the Glenosys glenoid version measurement was 2.0° ± 4.5° (CCC = 0.93) compared with the Friedman method, 2.5° ± 3.2° (CCC = 0.95) compared with the corrected Friedman method, 1.5° ± 4.5° (CCC = 0.94) compared with the Ganapathi-Iannotti method, and 1.8° ± 3.8° (CCC = 0.95) compared with the Lewis-Armstrong method. There was a mean difference of 0.2° ± 4.7° (CCC = 0.78) between the inclination measurements made with the Glenosys and Maurer methods. The difference between the overall average 2D and 3D measurements was not significant (p = 0.45).Conclusions: Use of fully automated software for 3D measurement of glenoid version and inclination in arthritic shoulders is reliable and accurate, showing excellent correlation with previously described manual or semi-automated methods.Clinical Relevance: The use of automated surgeon-operated image analysis software to evaluate 3D glenoid anatomy eliminates interobserver and intraobserver discrepancies, improves the accuracy of preoperative planning for shoulder replacement, and offers a potential gain of time for the surgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Secondary cuff failure after shoulder replacement is disabling and often requires additional surgery. Increased critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been found in patients with cuff tear compared to normal subjects. The interobserver reliability of the CSA and the relationship between CSA and symptomatic secondary cuff failure after shoulder replacement were investigated.Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients with symptomatic cuff failure after anatomic shoulder replacement (mean FU 45 months) were compared to a control group of 29 patients showing no signs of symptomatic cuff failure (mean FU 105.7 months). The CSA was measured by two blinded surgeons at a mean follow-up of 45 and 105.7 months, respectively. Inter-observer reliability was calculated.Results: The mean CSA in the study group in neutral, internal and external rotations were 33°, 34° and 34°, respectively. Corresponding values in the control group were 32°, 32° and 32°. The interclass correlation coefficient for the whole population between the two examiners were 0.956 (P < 0.01), 0.964 (P < 0.01) and 0.955 (P < 0.01), respectively.Conclusion: There were no significant differences of CSA values between patients who had undergone shoulder replacement and experienced late cuff failure and those in whom the same procedure had been successful. A good inter-observer reliability was found for the CSA method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Traditionally and since Neer, the humeral side of shoulder arthroplasty consisted of a stemmed component but the real need for stem fixation in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has barely been investigated. The current study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes with a stemless TSA.Methods: Forty-seven patients, 20 female and 27 male patients with an average age of 63, were selected in four orthopaedic centres during a four year period, and implanted with a humeral head prosthesis with a three-fin design and titanium coating. Aetiologies were: primary osteoarthritis (29), fracture sequelae (12) and avascular osteonecrosis (6). Minimum follow-up was two years (range 24-51 months). The patients were evaluated with the Constant score (CS) and radiological exams.Results: Two patients had revision of the implants, one for persistent pain and one for secondary massive rotator cuff tear. At the final follow-up, the mean CS was 69, with an average gain of 36. All parameters improved with a foremost in pain relief. Mean satisfaction rate was 87%. Average anterior active elevation was 131° with a gain of 48. Radiologic evaluations showed stable implants in all cases. However, 17 cases demonstrated radiolucent areas, particularly superior and lateral to the implant, which neither decreased nor increased with time. No revisions were related to humeral component loosening.Conclusions: Stemless TSA provides the same results as compared to TSA with a humeral stem. We are still unsure as to the nature of the lucent zones and we are continuing our investigation to better understand this radiological phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the increasing numbers of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) procedures, the long-term results have been rarely reported. We previously reported early outcomes of a cohort of patients treated with a Grammont-style RTSA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes after a minimum of 10 years, and to document prosthetic survival and complications.Methods: Clinical outcome assessment was based on the absolute and relative Constant scores and the active range of motion. Radiographic evaluations of scapular notching, tuberosity osteolysis, and periprosthetic radiolucent lines were done as well. Complications and revisions were compiled, and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.Results: The original report included the outcomes for 186 patients (191 RTSAs) who had been followed for a mean of 40 months. In the present study, in which the mean duration of follow-up was 150 months, follow-up clinical evaluations were available for 84 patients (87 prostheses) and radiographic assessments were available for 64 patients (67 prostheses). Seventy-seven patients (79 prostheses) had died before the 10-year follow-up, and 17 patients (17 prostheses) had been lost to follow-up. The mean absolute and relative Constant scores (and standard deviations) were 55 ± 16 points and 86 ± 26 points, respectively, with both having decreased significantly compared with the scores at the medium-term follow-up evaluation (at a minimum of 2 years) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively). Forty-nine shoulders (73%) exhibited scapular notching. Forty-seven complications (29%) were recorded, with 10 cases (10%) occurring after 2 years. Sixteen (12%) of the original patients underwent revision surgery. The 10-year overall prosthetic survival rate using revision as the end point was 93%.Conclusions: Despite a high arthroplasty survival rate and good long-term clinical results, RTSA outcomes showed deterioration when compared with medium-term results. The cause of this decrease is probably related to patient aging coupled with bone erosion and/or deltoid impairment over time.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Of the Study: To assess the clinical and computed tomography (CT) outcomes of shoulder replacement with a novel bone ingrowth all-polyethylene glenoid component (APGC).Methods: Twenty-eight patients (30 shoulders) with osteoarthritis, mean age 62.3 years (range, 45-75), were implanted with the novel component between 2011 and 2013. Patients were evaluated by active range of motion (ROM), Constant-Murley score (CMS), simple shoulder test (SST), X-rays, and multidetector CT at two months and at a mean follow-up of 31 months (range, 24-39). Early and late follow-up CT scans were available for 21/30 shoulders.Results: Median ROM increased from 105 to 160° for anterior elevation, from 100 to 160° for lateral elevation, from 20 to 40° for external rotation, and from 2 to 10 points for internal rotation (all p < 0.001). CMS rose from 30 to 80.5 points and SST from 2.5 to 11 (both p < 0.0001). None of the glenoid components migrated. Progressive radiolucency was seen in 28/30 shoulders. There was a strong correlation between greater bone ingrowth (median Arnold score: 7) and lower radiolucency score (median Yian score: 2) at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Osteolysis around the central peg was seen in two shoulders. There was no correlation between clinical scores and CT findings (p >0.05).Discussion: The partially cemented glenoid component for TSR assessed in this study resulted in satisfactory shoulder function at an early follow-up. The glenoid prosthesis was stable, with few radiolucent lines and good central peg bone ingrowth.Conclusions: The satisfactory bone ingrowth documented on CT is encouraging and supports the use of the new prosthesis. Long-term follow-up studies can confirm if this device represents a rational alternative to fully cemented polyethylene glenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment of fracture sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus in combination with posttraumatic arthritis is challenging. The reported results of treatment with anatomic shoulder arthroplasty are disappointing. The aim of this multicenter study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of posttraumatic sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus with malunion of the tuberosities.Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter study of 42 patients (42 shoulders) with the diagnosis of posttraumatic sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus with malunions of the tuberosities who were treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty between 2000 and 2010. The mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 68 years (range, 27 to 83 years; median, 70 years). The dominant side was treated in 24 cases. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 4 years (range, 2 to 13 years; median, 3.5 years). The Constant score including subgroups, shoulder flexion, rotation motion, and radiographs of the affected shoulders were analyzed before the surgical procedure and at the time of the latest follow-up. Patients categorized their postoperative results as very good, good, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory.Results: The mean Constant score increased from 19.7 points (range, 0 to 52 points) preoperatively to 54.9 points (range, 21 to 83 points) postoperatively (p < 0.0001). All of the subgroups of the Constant score also increased, as did active shoulder flexion and external rotation (all p < 0.0001). In one case, loosening of the humeral and glenoid components occurred. Scapular notching was present in 22 shoulders (52%) and was grade 1 in 12 cases, grade 2 in 4 cases, grade 3 in 2 cases, and grade 4 in 4 cases. Complications occurred in 4 patients (9.5%). Eighteen patients (43%) rated their result as very good, 19 (45%) rated their result as good, 4 (10%) rated their result as satisfactory, and one (2%) rated the result as unsatisfactory.Conclusions: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for type-4 proximal humeral fracture sequelae that cannot otherwise be treated with anatomic shoulder replacement.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim was to describe the natural history of intratendinous partial rotator cuff tears as well as the anatomical and clinical results of surgical treatment of a cohort of 24 patients. Patients and methods: There were 14 men and 10 women with a mean age of 50 years. The right shoulder was involved in 17 cases. For 16 cases, a progressive history of shoulder pain was reported. Pre-operatively, a painful and positive Jobe's sign was observed in only 13 cases. Pre-operative mean absolute constant score was 63.52 points. Based on standard MRI, intratendinous lesions were diagnosed on the coronal view with hyper-signal within the tendon in the T2 FatSat sequence. No fatty infiltration was noted. Fourteen open and 10 arthroscopic repairs were performed. Results: Patients were reviewed with clinical assessment and MRI. The final Constant score was 81.3 points with a mean gain of 18.5 points. Patients were back to work after a mean of 5.8 months and to sports after 6 months. The mean subjective result was of 8.9/10. Three cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy were observed. Discussion: Intratendinous tears of the supraspinatus tendon are rare and difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis relies on MRI (T2 FatSat). Trauma is not usually described. Chronic calcifying tendonitis may also contribute to the development of such tears. There is no associated fatty infiltration of the muscle. The Jobe's test is frequently painful or positive. Arthroscopic resection of the tendon insertion with reinsertion to the greater tuberosity seems to be the optimal treatment. Level of evidence: Retrospective study, IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The correct amount of arm lengthening in reverse shoulder arthroplasty is crucial to provide joint stability and good results. Determination has been proposed according to radiographs. However, radiographic measurements are error prone in regards to positioning of the arm with regard to the radiographic beam. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the precision of radiographic measurements compared to CT scans of the upper limb following reverse shoulder arthroplasty.Methods: Thirty patients undergoing onlay reverse shoulder arthroplasty with comparative radiographs and CT scans of both humeri were included in this study. Arm length, humeral length as well as the arm and humeral lengthening were evaluated on pre- and postoperative radiographs compared to postoperative CT scans following a previously validated protocol.Results: We found an excellent correlation for arm length and humeral length for radiographic and CT measurements (r > 0.90). The postoperative humeral and arm lengthening compared to the contralateral side was 0.1 (-1.2 to 1.2) cm and 2.8 (0.2 to 5.2) cm for the CT scans, and -0.6 (-4.1 to 2.0) cm and 1.9 (-2.3 to 5.0) cm for the radiographs. For arm lengthening, correlation coefficient was good (r = 0.7) even though radiographs indicated arm shortening in five cases whereas arm lengthening was observed on CT scans.Conclusions: Measurements on radiographs and CT scans are comparable in most of the cases. However, we observed some important variations that question the reliability of radiographic measurements in up to 20 % of cases. Therefore, a CT scan appears to be necessary in the event of postoperative complications (e.g., instability, neurological problems). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The impacts of humeral offset and stem design after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have not been well-studied, particularly with regard to newer stems which have a lower humeral inclination. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of different humeral stem designs on range of motion and humeral position following RSA.Methods: Using a three-dimensional computer model of RSA, a traditional inlay Grammont stem was compared to a short curved onlay stem with different inclinations (155°, 145°, 135°) and offset (lateralised vs medialised). Humeral offset, the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and range of motion were evaluated for each configuration.Results: Altering stem design led to a nearly 7-mm change in humeral offset and 4 mm in the AHD. Different inclinations of the onlay stems had little influence on humeral offset and larger influence on decreasing the AHD. There was a 10° decrease in abduction and a 5° increase in adduction between an inlay Grammont design and an onlay design with the same inclination. Compared to the 155° model, the 135° model improved adduction by 28°, extension by 24° and external rotation of the elbow at the side by 15°, but led to a decrease in abduction of 9°. When the tray was placed medially, on the 145° model, a 9° loss of abduction was observed.Conclusions: With varus inclination prostheses (135° and 145°), elevation remains unchanged, abduction slightly decreases, but a dramatic improvement in adduction, extension and external rotation with the elbow at the side are observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies define the clinical signs to evaluate the integrity of teres minor in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. CT and MRI, with or without an arthrogram, can be limited by image quality, soft tissue density, motion artifact, and interobserver reliability. Additionally, the ill-defined junction between the infraspinatus and teres minor and the larger muscle-to-tendon ratio of the teres minor can contribute to error. Therefore, we wished to determine the validity of clinical testing for teres minor tears. Question/Purposes: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of commonly used clinical signs (external rotation lag sign, drop sign, and the Patte test) for diagnosing the teres minor's integrity. Methods: We performed a prospective evaluation of patients referred to our shoulder clinic for massive rotator cuff tears determined by CT arthrograms. The posterosuperior rotator cuff was examined clinically and correlated with CT arthrograms. We assessed interobserver reliability for CT assessment and used three different clinical tests of teres minor function (the external rotation lag sign, drop sign, and the Patte test). One hundred patients with a mean age of 68 years were available for the analysis. Results: The most accurate test for teres minor dysfunction was an external rotation lag sign greater than 40°, which had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 80%-100%) and a specificity of 92% (95% CI, 84%-96%). External rotation lag signs greater than 10° had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 80%-100%) and a specificity of 51% (95% CI, 40%-61%). The Patte sign had a sensitivity of 93% (95% CI, 70%-99%) and a specificity of 72% (95% CI, 61%-80%). The drop sign had a sensitivity of 87% (95% CI, 62%-96%) and a specificity of 88% (95% CI, 80%-93%). An external rotation lag sign greater than 40° was more specific than an external rotation lag sign greater than 10° (p < 0.001), and a Patte sign (p < 0.001), but was not more specific than the drop sign (p < 0.47). There was poor correlation between involvement of the teres minor and loss of active external rotation. Conclusions: Clinical signs can predict anatomic patterns of teres minor dysfunction with good accuracy in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. This study showed that the most accurate test for teres minor dysfunction is an external rotation lag sign and that most patients' posterior rotator cuff tears do not lose active external rotation. Because imaging is not always accurate, examination for integrity of the teres minor is important because it may be one of the most important variables affecting the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for massive rotator cuff tears, and the functional effects of tears in this muscle on day to day activities can be significant. Additionally, teres minor integrity affects the outcomes of tendon transfers, therefore knowledge of its condition is important in planning repairs. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose - Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) gives good outcome in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis, but it is not known whether this also applies to patients over 80 years old. Patients and methods - We retrospectively assessed outcome in patients over the age of 80 after anatomic TSA, performed for primary osteoarthritis with a preoperative intact rotator cuff (group O, n = 32). We compared it with outcome in a group of patients under the age of 70 (group Y, n = 32). Subjective outcome, Constant score, and radiological findings were analyzed. Results - At a mean follow-up time of 7 years, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. In group O, 24 patients were very satisfied and in group Y, 23 patients were very satisfied; the subjective shoulder value was 81% in both groups. Mean Constant score was 65 in group O and 67 in group Y. Moderate or severe radiological upper migration of the humeral head was detected in 1 patient in group O and in 3 patients in group Y. One patient in group Y was revised for glenoid loosening. Interpretation - Good to excellent results can be expected after anatomic TSA in patients over the age of 80. Our findings suggest that they have similar results to those in patients around 70 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fracture sequelae of the proximal part of the humerus are challenging conditions, and various treatment options have been described. The purpose of this multicenter study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcomes as well as the complications following semiconstrained reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of nonunion of a surgical neck fracture of the proximal part of the humerus. Methods: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of sixty-eight years (range, forty-eight to eighty-three years) managed with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of nonunion of a proximal humeral fracture were analyzed clinically and radiographically. The mean duration of follow-up was four years (range, two to twelve years). The Constant score, active shoulder mobility, all complications, and revision procedures were recorded. Results: The mean Constant score increased from 14.2 points (range, 2 to 35 points) to 46.6 points (range, 6 to 75 points) (p < 0.001). The mean shoulder flexion increased from 42.9° (range, 0° to 160°) to 109.7° (range, 0° to 170°) (p < 0.001), and the mean external rotation increased from 0.5° (range, 240° to 60°) to 13.1° (range, 230° to 60°) (p < 0.005). No component loosening occurred, but 50% (sixteen) of the patients had radiographic evidence of scapular notching. There were thirteen complications (41%) leading to nine revision surgical procedures (28%). The most common complication was a dislocation following reverse shoulder arthroplasty, which occurred in 34% (eleven) of the patients. An intraoperative resection of the humeral head fragment and the tuberosities was associated with increased risk of dislocation (p < 0.007). Conclusions: Nonunions of the proximal part of the humerus can be treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Although clinical outcomes improved significantly, we found an unacceptably high rate of dislocations associated with intraoperative resection of the tuberosities. The tuberosities and the attached rotator cuff should be preserved if possible to reduce the risk of dislocation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]