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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
43.3K
Primary reverse shoulder replacement with a short stem: A systematic literature review
Anna K Tross1,2, Thomas E Woolson1, Philip C Nolte1,3
1Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO, USA.
JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques
|August 17, 2023
Summary
Short-stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) shows promising clinical outcomes comparable to long-stem designs, with improved range of motion and functional scores. While bone adaptations are common, aseptic loosening is not a concern in the short term.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) implants are evolving, with short-stem humeral components designed to preserve bone stock and aid revision.
- Short-stem TSA shows promise, but radiographic bone adaptations are frequent, and data on short-stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review functional and radiographic outcomes of uncemented short-stem RSA.
- To identify underreported areas of clinical importance in current literature.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Inclusion of studies (Level I-IV evidence) on short-stem RSA outcomes.
- Analysis of demographics, clinical and radiological outcomes, complications, and revision data.
Main Results:
- Ten studies (555 shoulders, 32-month mean follow-up) were included.
- Significant improvement in range of motion and Constant Score (CS) observed.
- Scapular notching (18%) was common, but without clinical impact; no stem loosening.
- Complications occurred in 12.9% (scapula fractures most common), with 4.9% requiring revision.
Conclusions:
- Short-stem RSA demonstrates good short-term clinical results, comparable to long-stem designs.
- Humeral bone adaptations are frequent, but aseptic loosening is not a short-term concern.
- The relationship between filling ratio and stem alignment in short-stem RSA requires further investigation.
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