Comparing inferiorized and lateralized glenospheres in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using the LimaCorporate SMR reverse shoulder system: a single-center analysis
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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Christian Pearsall1, Andrew Lachance1, Carter Whittemore1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Robert Packer Hospital, Guthrie Medical Group PC, Sayre, PA, USA.
Background:
Limited evidence compares re-operation, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and mortality between inferiorized and lateralized glenospheres in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Methods:
A single-institution retrospective review was performed of all primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon using the LimaCorporate Shoulder Modular Replacement Reverse Shoulder System between 2014 and 2025. Demographics, surgical data, re-operation, mortality, and PROs were obtained; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were collected pre-operatively and post-operatively between 6 and 12 months. The cumulative incidence of re-operation (CIR) was estimated using competing risks methodology, with death as a competing event; group differences were assessed using Fine-Gray regression. Inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for confounding in multivariable regression analyses assessing the association between glenosphere type and each endpoint.
Results:
Overall, 329 inferiorized and 131 lateralized glenospheres were included, with respective mean ages of 72.9 and 71.6 years (P = .60), a minimum follow-up of 12 months, median follow-ups of 31.3 and 12.2 months (P < .001), and PRO completion percentages of 59% and 64% (P = .77). There were no significant differences between inferiorized and lateralized glenospheres with respect to 36-month CIR (4.9% vs. 4.4%; P = .37), with similar findings at 12 and 24 months; improvements in ASES scores (46.2 vs. 50.2; P = .26) or VAS pain scores (-4.2 vs. -4.2; P = .97); Minimal Clinically Important Difference achievement for ASES scores (87.1% vs. 84.5%; P = .57) or VAS pain scores (82.5% vs. 78.6%; P = .50); and mortality (4% vs. 1.5%; P = .25). Glenosphere type was not significantly associated with CIR, re-operation, PROs, or mortality.
Conclusion:
Within the limitations of this retrospective study, inferiorized and lateralized glenospheres using the LimaCorporate Shoulder Modular Replacement Reverse Shoulder System demonstrated comparable short-term clinical outcomes despite differing follow-up durations between cohorts. A long-term follow-up is needed to determine whether clinically meaningful differences emerge over time.
