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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Shoulder arthroplasty for the young, active patient.
Ryan M Tibbetts1, Michael A Wirth
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Instructional Course Lectures
|May 11, 2011
Summary
Younger patients with shoulder joint degeneration can undergo shoulder arthroplasty. Treatment options address challenges like high expectations and bone loss, including biologic glenoid resurfacing.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Degenerative glenohumeral joint conditions in patients under 55 present unique challenges.
- These challenges include higher patient expectations, increased functional demands, prior surgical contractures, and glenoid bone loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical treatment options for younger patients with degenerative glenohumeral joint disease.
- To highlight the complexities and potential solutions for this specific patient demographic.
Main Methods:
- Review of current surgical techniques for shoulder arthroplasty in younger adults.
- Discussion of various reconstructive options, including prosthetic and biologic interventions.
Main Results:
- Surgical options range from unconstrained total shoulder arthroplasty to hemiarthroplasty with glenoid resurfacing.
- Biologic glenoid resurfacing options include autogenous fascia lata, Achilles tendon allograft, and meniscal allograft.
Conclusions:
- Shoulder arthroplasty is a viable treatment for younger patients with glenohumeral degeneration.
- A range of surgical techniques, including biologic options for glenoid reconstruction, can address the specific needs of this cohort.
