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Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Challenges for Optimization of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Part II: Subacromial Space, Scapular Posture, Moment
Stefan Bauer1,2, William G Blakeney2,3, Allan W Wang2
1Service d'Orthopédie et de Traumatologie, Chirurgie de l'Épaule, Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte, 1110 Morges, Switzerland.
Abstract:
In part II of this comprehensive review on the optimization of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), we focus on three other challenges: 1. "Conservation of sufficient subacromial and coracohumeral space"; 2. "Scapular posture"; and 3. "Moment arms and muscle tensioning". This paper follows a detailed review of the basic science and clinical literature of the challenges in part I: 1. "External rotation and extension" and 2. "Internal rotation". "Conservation of sufficient subacromial and coracohumeral space" and "Scapular posture" may have a significant impact on the passive and active function of RSA. Understanding the implications of "Moment arms and muscle tensioning" is essential to optimize active force generation and RSA performance. An awareness and understanding of the challenges of the optimization of RSA help surgeons prevent complications and improve RSA function and raise further research questions for ongoing study.
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