Complications of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze complications after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and report the clinical outcomes with review of previously reported studies. Materials and Methods: Complications after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were analyzed for 98 patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and were followed-up for at least 6 months. Of 98 patients, 22 were men and 76 were women. The mean age was 75.0±6.5 years (range, 59-92 years) with a mean follow-up period of 22±19 months (range, 6-74 months). The types and time of occurrence of complications, methods of treatment, and clinical outcomes at the final follow-up were analyzed. Results: Complications occurred in 18 of 98 patients (18.4%). Seven of them received operative treatment and 11 were treated conservatively. Two cases had postoperative dislocations and were addressed with open reduction. In 2 cases, periprosthetic fractures occurred and were treated with open reduction and plate fixation. Two acromial stress fractures and 8 cases of heterotopic ossification were managed conservatively. Infection and humeral component loosening occurred in one case, respectively, and were treated with revision arthroplasty. Glenoid component loosening occurred in 2 cases, one of which was treated with revision arthroplasty and the other was managed conservatively. At the final follow-up, clinical outcomes showed a statistically significant improvement. Compared to groups with no complications, there were no significant differences in final clinical outcomes. Scapular notching occurred in 43.9% (43/98 cases). No statistically significant differences of clinical outcomes were observed between the scapular notching group and the no notching group (p＞0.05). Conclusion: In our study, 18% of complications occurred after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and final clinical outcomes of these complications showed significant improvement. Scapular notching developed in 44% and did not provide a significant clinical effect at short term follow-up.