Greater Tuberosity Fractures after RTSA: A Matched Group Analysis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Periprosthetic fractures, including acromial and spine fractures, are recognized complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA).
• Greater tuberosity fractures (GTF) following RTSA are less frequently studied but represent a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of patients who sustain a greater tuberosity fracture (GTF) after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with a matched control group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis comparing a cohort of RTSA patients with postoperative GTF against a matched control group without fractures.
• Evaluation of clinical outcome scores (e.g., Constant Score, Simple Shoulder Value) and postoperative range of motion (ROM).

Main Results:

• Patients with GTF after RTSA demonstrated significantly worse clinical outcome scores (CS, SSV) and reduced shoulder strength compared to the control group.
• The GTF group showed significantly impaired external rotation (17° vs. 30°), while internal rotation, flexion, and abduction remained largely unaffected.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative greater tuberosity fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty are associated with diminished clinical outcomes and restricted external rotation.
• Further research and management strategies are warranted to address the impact of GTF on RTSA patient recovery.