The radiographic and clinical outcomes of stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a minimum 2-year follow-up study

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the radiographic and clinical outcomes of stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) after a minimum 2-year follow-up.Methods: Between July 2018 and March 2023, 50 patients underwent 50 stemless RTSA with the Lima component. Twenty-eight patients with a follow-up of more than 2 years were reviewed. The average age was 71.9 years (range, 61–85 years), and the average follow-up period was 2.2 years (range, 2.0–5.1). Bone marrow density of the proximal humerus was measured before RTSA. We evaluated preoperative and postoperative range of motion, clinical score, radiographic change, and postoperative complications. Results: Significant increases were observed postoperatively in forward flexion (112.0º–162.5º, P<0.01) and internal rotation (from L3 to T12 level; P<0.05). No changes were observed in external rotation (from 43.0º to 45.2º; P=0.762). The clinical scores improved for Korean Shoulder Scoring system (from 64 to 93, P<0.01) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (from 17.5 to 27.3, P<0.01). Although radiolucent lines of less than 2 mm were observed in all cases, no osteolysis and loosening of the stemless humeral component was found. In one case, the stemless humeral component pulled out at the 1-week follow-up, and a revision was implemented to replace it with a stemmed humeral component. Scapular notching was observed in 18 cases.Conclusions: Stemless RTSA showed good radiographic and clinical results after a minimum 2-year follow-up.Level of evidence: IV.