ObjectiveTo investigate the development and clinical application of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. MethodsThe relative publications on reverse total shoulder arthroplasties were extensively reviewed and analyzed. ResultsReverse total shoulder arthroplasty has extensive indications, especially for pseudoparalysis caused by irrepairable rotator cuff tears with forward or upper shift of the humeral head and intact function of deltoid. The clinical research results indicate that the short-term results are satisfactory, but there are some special complications, such as scapular nothching, instability and limities of internal and external rotation. While performing this kind of operation, the selection of the approach, the determination of the prosthetic rotation center should be considered well, and the bone graft should be paid attention to when the bony defect of the glenoid and proximal humerus exists. ConclusionThe using time of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is short, so the long-term results should be observed. The development of computer assisted technique is hopeful to be improve the results of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness of tuberosity suture combined with autogenous bone grafting in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for elderly patients with proximal humerus fracture. Methods A clinical data of 28 patients with fresh proximal humerus fractures, who met the selection criteria and admitted between June 2014 and April 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 21 females. Age ranged from 65 to 81 years, with an average of 73.8 years. The causes of injury were 21 cases of fall, 6 cases of traffic accident, and 1 case of falling from height. The time from injury to operation ranged from 5 to 20 days with an average of 9.2 days. There were 8 cases of Neer three-part fracture and 20 cases of four-part fracture. The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was performed, and the greater and lesser tuberosities were sutered and reconstructed with autogenous bone grafting. After operation, the Constant score, American Society for Shoulder Surgery (ASES) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate shoulder function and pain; and the active range of motion of the shoulder joint was recorded, including flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation. X-ray films were taken to observe the position of prosthesis. According to the evaluation criteria proposed by Boileau, the healing of greater tuberosity was evaluated, and the effectiveness was compared between the patients with healed and non-healed (displacement and absorption) greater tuberosity. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 24-106 months, with an average of 60.9 months. At last follow-up, the VAS score of shoulder joint ranged from 0 to 6 (mean, 1.1). The Constant score ranged from 45 to 100 (mean, 80.1). The ASES score ranged from 57 to 100 (mean, 84.7). The active range of motions of shoulder joint were 60°-160° (mean, 118°) in flexion, 0°-50° (mean, 30°) in external rotation, and corresponding to reaching the S5-T8 vertebral body level in internal rotation. During follow-up, no shoulder joint re-dislocation or severe shoulder instability occurred, and no revision surgery was performed. X-ray film reexamination showed that there was no loosening of the prosthesis. According to the evaluation criteria proposed by Boileau, the greater tuberosity fused in 22 cases (78.6%), displaced in 3 cases (10.7%), and absorbed in 3 cases (10.7%). The shoulder joint function and pain related evaluation indicators in the healed group were significantly better than those in the non-healed group (P<0.05). ConclusionTuberosity suture combined with autogenous bone grafting is a relatively simple procedure that provides a reliable fixation for the anatomic recovery of greater and lesser tuberosities and is beneficial for the recovery of shoulder function in elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures.