Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Glenoid component loosening associated with increased critical shoulder angle at midterm follow-up
Jonathan P Watling1, Javier E Sanchez1, Samuel P Heilbroner1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
Background:
Glenoid component loosening is a common failure mode of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A larger critical shoulder angle (CSA) may cause superior glenoid component loading and more rapid component loosening. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between the CSA and glenoid component loosening in midterm follow-up after TSA.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of 61 primary TSAs for osteoarthritis with an average follow-up of 5.0 ± 2.2 years without surgical revision. Standard true anteroposterior radiographs postoperatively and at longest follow-up were graded in a blinded and repetitive nature for pegged glenoid radiolucent lines and measured for the CSA. An "at-risk" glenoid was defined as grade 3 or higher lucency.
Results:
The average CSA was 32° ± 5°, median midterm lucency grade was 2 (range, 0-5), and median progression of lucency grade was 1 (range, -1 to 4). At midterm follow-up, 20% of TSAs were grade 3 or higher mean glenoid lucency, with an average CSA of 36°. There was a statistically significant correlation between CSA and both glenoid lucency grade (odds ratio, 1.20 per degree CSA) and progression of lucency grade (odds ratio, 1.24). An increase in CSA of 10° was associated with a 6.2-fold increased odds of having an at-risk glenoid.
Conclusion:
This study identifies the CSA as a risk factor for glenoid component loosening after TSA. Our findings suggest that the CSA may be a modifiable factor during surgery to improve glenoid component outcomes.
