Computer-Assisted Navigation in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Surgical Experience and Clinical Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Glenoid component failure is a primary cause of medium- to long-term complications in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).
• Accurate glenoid component placement is crucial for successful RSA outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of computer-assisted navigation in achieving planned glenoid component positioning.
• To assess the clinical outcomes of RSA using computer-assisted navigation at a minimum 12-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• 57 Equinoxe RSAs utilizing computer-assisted navigation were performed between December 2019 and December 2022.
• Preoperative CT scans and Orthoblue software were used for glenoid version and inclination planning.
• Intraoperative navigation data and clinical outcomes were assessed postoperatively.

Main Results:

• The planned glenoid component positioning was accurately reproduced in all 57 implants.
• No errors were detected in the computer-assisted navigation system, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.
• At an average follow-up of 30.7 months, patients demonstrated improved range of motion and functional scores (e.g., Constant score: 77 ± 18).

Conclusions:

• Computer-assisted navigation is a reliable method for precise prosthetic implant positioning, especially in challenging glenoids.
• The system demonstrated a lack of complications and accurate planning reproduction in this cohort.
• Longer follow-up is warranted to confirm potential reductions in complications and improved survival rates compared to traditional RSA techniques.