Subscapularis management in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

This systematic review and network meta-analysis compare clinical outcomes of three different subscapularis management techniques in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: lesser tuberosity osteotomy, subscapularis peel, and subscapularis tenotomy.

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane's trial registry were searched in July 2021. Comparative studies and case series evaluating the outcomes of these three techniques were included. The network meta-analysis was performed only on comparative studies.

Twenty-three studies were included. Both lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel had significantly higher Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Scores compared to subscapularis tenotomy, but no difference in American Shoulder and Elbow Society Scores. Subscapularis peel had superior external rotation compared to lesser tuberosity osteotomy. However, no difference was found in external rotation between subscapularis peel and subscapularis tenotomy or between subscapularis tenotomy and lesser tuberosity osteotomy. The overall weighted average for lesser tuberosity osteotomy bony union was 93.6%, whereas the overall weighted average for subscapularis tendon healing was 79.4% and 87% for subscapularis tenotomy and subscapularis peel, respectively.

This network meta-analysis demonstrated that lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel were associated with the high union and subscapularis healing rates and may be associated with improved shoulder function and quality of life, compared to subscapularis tenotomy. Lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel demonstrate a trend of superior outcomes compared to subscapularis tenotomy during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.