Role of Subscapularis Tendon Repair in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

J Am Acad Orthop Surg · Jul 15 2021 · Review

Jawa A, Colliton EM

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA (Colliton)

Shoulder & Elbow Sports Medicine

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review examines conflicting evidence on whether subscapularis tendon repair improves stability and outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, noting effects may depend on prosthesis design.
Abstract, as published

In anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), subscapularis repair is essential for shoulder stability and function postoperatively; however, the role of subscapularis repair in reverse TSA remains unclear. Some evidence suggests that subscapularis repair is associated with improved postoperative stability and range of motion, whereas other evidence indicates that repair is unnecessary and has no effect on clinical outcomes. In this review, we will analyze the existing literature addressing subscapularis repair during reverse TSA and discuss the effect of medialized and lateralized prosthesis designs on the utility of tendon repair.

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