Abstract
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has proven to be a valuable solution for not only cuff tear arthropathy but a variety of other shoulder conditions [Flatow and Harrison, Clin Orthop Relat Res 469(9):2432–2439, 2011; Gerber et al., J Am Acad Orthop Surg 17(5):284–95, 2009; Sirveaux et al., J Bone Joint Surg Br 86(3):388–95, 2004]. For most conditions, RTSA provides excellent pain relief and variable degrees of improved motion. However, like any evolving technology, there are a variety of complications that are unique to this prosthesis and may affect the final clinical results and what to expect from this procedure by the patient and provider alike. Some of these complications are not seen with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and are unique to RTSA because of their design. Other complications are possibly due to the increased use of RTSA for conditions not easily treated with standard TSA. RTSA’s broadened indications, options in modularity, improved product development, and increased surgeon experience have propelled the RTSA implant towards preeminence in the world of shoulder surgery. Nevertheless, no implant is perfect, and the ability of RTSA to solve complex reconstructive problems comes at a cost of increased complications compared to its anatomic counterpart [Villacis et al. J Shoulder Elb Surg 25(6):927–35, 2016].
There are several commonly seen and clinically relevant complications after RTSA in the literature. Complications that are unique to RTSA include scapular notching, baseplate failure, scapular stress fractures, and component dissociation. Meanwhile, complications common to both RTSA and TSA, albeit with different incidences, include instability, infection, nerve injury, and vascular injury. Knowledge of these potential complications can help the treating surgeon avoid them, but also to provide guidance in order to evaluate, diagnose, and manage them.
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Bitzer, A., Kotian, R., Rojas, J., McFarland, E.G. (2020). Complications of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. In: Huri, G., Familiari, F., Moon, Y.L., Doral, M.N., Marcheggiani Muccioli, G.M. (eds) Shoulder Arthroplasty. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19285-3_20
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