Subscapularis-sparing TSA offers shoulder anatomic restoration, long-term outcomes raise concerns
By Monica Jaramillo
Using subscapularis-sparing total shoulder arthroplasty offered anatomic restoration of the shoulder; however, concerns were raised with regard to long-term outcomes due to retained osteophytes and significantly mismatched humeral head diameter, according to researchers’ findings.
The researchers conducted a prospective, randomized trial with 96 patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA): 46 patients (mean age: 69 years) were randomly assigned to undergo TSA utilizing the subscapularis-sparing approach, and 50 patients (mean age: 67 years) underwent standard TSA. Postoperative radiographs were immediately performed on all patients.
Within 6 weeks after surgery, two blinded independent reviewers evaluated postoperative anteroposterior and axillary radiographs. The researchers obtained anatomic reconstruction measurements for humeral head height, humeral head centering, humeral head medial offset, humeral head diameter (HHD), head-neck angle and residual osteophytes. Additionally, anatomic reconstruction index (ARI) was calculated.
