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.