This 2007 JAAOS review covers rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) — its pathogenesis, radiographic diagnosis, classification, and surgical management options from historical failures through early reverse arthroplasty results. It synthesizes the mechanical and crystal-mediated hypotheses for disease progression and compares hemiarthroplasty with reverse shoulder arthroplasty outcomes.
When you see an elderly patient with pseudoparalysis, massive cuff tear, superior humeral migration, and glenohumeral arthritis, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is the preferred surgical option — but a history of prior acromioplasty with coracoacromial ligament release or deltoid damage significantly worsens outcomes for any arthroplasty approach and must be identified preoperatively.
This 2007 JAAOS review covers rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) — its pathogenesis, radiographic diagnosis, classification, and surgical management options from historical failures through early reverse arthroplasty results. It synthesizes the mechanical and crystal-mediated hypotheses for disease progression and compares hemiarthroplasty with reverse shoulder arthroplasty outcomes.
When you see an elderly patient with pseudoparalysis, massive cuff tear, superior humeral migration, and glenohumeral arthritis, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is the preferred surgical option — but a history of prior acromioplasty with coracoacromial ligament release or deltoid damage significantly worsens outcomes for any arthroplasty approach and must be identified preoperatively.