Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Onlay versus inlay humeral components in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Garrett R Jackson1, Joshua Meade2,3, Bradley L Young2,3
1American University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten (Dutch part).
Background:
Advances have been made to the traditional inlay Grammont Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) design such as the onlay humeral component prosthesis. Currently, there is no agreement in the literature regarding the best option for the humeral component when comparing inlay and onlay designs. This review compares the outcomes and complications between onlay versus inlay humeral components for RSA.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase. Only studies reporting outcomes comparing onlay versus inlay RSA humeral components were included.
Results:
Four studies with 298 patients (306 shoulders) were included. Onlay humeral components were associated with better external rotation (ER) (p < 0.0001). No significant difference in forward flexion (FF) or abduction was found. Constant scores (CS) and VAS scores did not differ. Increased scapular notching was found in the inlay group (23.18%) versus the onlay group (7.74%) (p = 0.02). Postoperative scapular fractures and acromial fractures did not differ.
Conclusion:
Onlay and inlay RSA designs are associated with improved postoperative range of motion (ROM). Onlay humeral designs may be associated with greater ER and lower rate of scapular notching; however, no difference was found in Constant and VAS scores, so further studies are required to assess the clinical significance of these differences.
