Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Optimization of glenoid fixation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty using 3-dimensional modeling
Levi G Sutton1, Frederick W Werner, Alyssa K Jones
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Careful glenoid reaming is crucial in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Even minimal bone removal significantly reduces bone volume and surface area available for implant fixation, potentially compromising screw stability.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Implant Design
Background:
- Complications in reverse shoulder arthroplasty may stem from excessive glenoid bone removal.
- Glenoid bone loss and screw placement are critical factors in fixation success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify bone volume and surface area loss from incremental glenoid reaming.
- To evaluate the impact of reaming on screw fixation in reverse shoulder implants.
Main Methods:
- Virtual implantation of a reverse shoulder prosthesis into 6 shoulder models.
- Incremental reaming and statistical analysis of changes in glenoid bone surface area and volume.
- Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for statistical evaluation.
Main Results:
- Increasing reaming significantly decreased total bone volume, available surface area for the baseplate, and glenoid contact area.
- 5 mm of reaming resulted in a 2810 mm³ volume decrease, 28% reduction in surface area, and 27% decrease in baseplate contact.
- Anterior and posterior screw engagement was notably less than superior and inferior screws.
Conclusions:
- Judicious reaming of the glenoid is essential to preserve bone for implant fixation.
- Excessive bone removal, even 1 mm, diminishes bone available for implant fixation.
- The study design suggests insufficient bone may remain for anterior/posterior screw accommodation after reaming.
