The subscapularis-sparing windowed anterior technique for total shoulder arthroplasty

Instability and the Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Instability of the anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is a challenging problem. With an incidence of 1% to 5% reported in the literature, it is critical for shoulder surgeons to understand and be capable of addressing this complication. Etiology is multifactorial and related to soft-tissue imbalance, osseous pathology, implant malposition, or more commonly, a combination of these various causes. Historically, high rates of failure have been reported after revision procedures, prompting a movement toward the more inherently stable reverse shoulder arthroplasty as a reliable form of management. However, this may not be the ideal solution for all patients, particularly the young and active population. Consequently, the purpose of this article was to provide a review of the literature on the management of postoperative instability and intraoperative strategies to prevent this complication during the index procedure.

Managing Subscapularis in Shoulder arthroplasty

Managing subscapularis forms an integral part of shoulder arthroplasty and the ideal technique for subscapularis release and repair during shoulder arthroplasty is still under debate. The three common techniques are tenotomy, peel and lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO). Current literature from clinical studies does not show any difference in the outcome between the 3 techniques. However biomechanical studies favour LTO. Subscapularis sparing approach can be an alternative solution allowing early rehabilitation but needs further clinical studies to assess its longterm benefits. Failure of subscapularis repair in anatomical shoulder replacement can lead to pain, loss of movements, instability and loosening of implants. Treatment options include revision repair, tendon transfer, reconstruction with allograft tendon and revision to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Repairing subscapularis in RSA can improve rotations and stability, however it also has adverse biomechanical effects on deltoid. Absence of subscapularis repair is seen to affect stability only in medialised implant designs, while no such effects are seen in lateralised design implants.

Augmented reality and shoulder replacement: a state-of-the-art review article

Since its implementation, the rates of failure of total shoulder arthroplasty which may be due to malpositioning pushed to improve this surgery by creating new techniques and tools to help perioperatively. Augmented reality, a newly used tool in orthopedic surgery can help bypass this problem and reduce the rates of failure faced in shoulder replacement surgeries. Although this technology has revolutionized orthopedic surgery and helped improve the accuracy in shoulder prosthesis components positioning, it still has some limitations such as inaccurate over-imposition that should be addressed before it becomes of standard usage.

Management of Subscapularis Insufficiency After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

The functional success of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) relies heavily on the healing integrity of the subscapularis tendon. Access to the glenohumeral joint is performed through a deltopectoral approach, and takedown of the subscapularis tendon is necessary in most surgeons' hands. Although initially described as a tenotomy, lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel are two techniques more commonly used today. Both of these options offer good results as long as proper repair is done. A subscapularis-sparing approach has more recently been advocated but is technically demanding. Failure of tendon repair can lead to early failure of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with accelerated glenoid loosening, decreased function, and anterior instability. Treatment options for subscapularis insufficiency include nonsurgical management, revision tendon repair, tendon reconstruction or transfer, or conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. As shoulder arthroplasty continues to become increasingly prevalent, subscapularis insufficiency, too, will become more common. Accordingly, a surgeon's knowledge of subscapularis management in an arthroplasty setting must encompass treatment options for postoperative subscapularis insufficiency.

Soft Tissue Management in Shoulder Arthroplasty

Total shoulder arthroplasty is a rapidly growing field, with more procedures performed each year. An important aspect of shoulder arthroplasty surgery is the management of soft tissues. Good functional outcomes in shoulder arthroplasty are significantly dependent on the repair of the rotator cuff tendons and proper release of the shoulder capsule. The success of any shoulder arthroplasty is predicated upon the meticulous handling of these tissues. The surgeon's ability to execute appropriate soft tissue techniques will facilitate easier surgery by increasing exposure and lead to better outcomes for the patient.