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Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Long term risk of scapular fracture following reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Sophie Donoghue1, Mark Williams2, Timothy Batten3
1Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK. sophie.donoghue1@nhs.net.
Purpose:
Acromial stress fractures (ASF) and scapular spine fractures (SSF) are devastating complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). There is limited literature on the impact of age and incidence of these fractures at long term follow-up. We aimed to identify incidence, timing, and age of occurrence in a single centre over a 20-year period.
Methods:
Retrospective consecutive case series of all primary RSA performed between 1999 and 2018 at a single centre. Cases had a minimum of 4-year follow-up. Notes and radiographs were reviewed to identify scapular fractures. Associated demographics and timings were collected.
Results:
Three hundred and thirty-nine RSAs were performed in 308 patients. Fifteen cases of ASF/SSF were identified (4.4%). Mean age at time of surgery was 76 (range 52-88). Twelve cases were located on the acromion, three at the scapular spine. Median time to fracture was 9 months (range 2-127). Fifty-three per cent of fractures occurred within 1 year of surgery and 47% occurred within 4 months. Increasing age did not increase likelihood of fracture (OR 1.016).
Conclusion:
The majority of ASF/SSF occur within the first year, with a peak at 4-month postoperatively. A high index of suspicion should be maintained during this time. The overall incidence is around 4%, regardless of age, and persists throughout the implants' lifetime.
