Multicenter retrospective study of 457 consecutive reverse shoulder arthroplasties asking whether pre-existing acromial pathology (os acromiale, acromial fracture/fragmentation, scapular spine nonunion) compromises postoperative outcomes, and characterizing the distinct problem of new-onset postoperative scapular spine fractures.
Don't let pre-existing os acromiale or acromial fracture/fragmentation deter you from offering RSA — these patients do as well as, or better than, those with normal acromia.
However, if a patient's rehabilitation stalls, becomes painful, or suddenly deteriorates within the first postoperative year, get radiographs to rule out a postoperative scapular spine fracture: this complication carries a mean Constant score of 35 and is notoriously difficult to treat.
Multicenter retrospective study of 457 consecutive reverse shoulder arthroplasties asking whether pre-existing acromial pathology (os acromiale, acromial fracture/fragmentation, scapular spine nonunion) compromises postoperative outcomes, and characterizing the distinct problem of new-onset postoperative scapular spine fractures.
Don't let pre-existing os acromiale or acromial fracture/fragmentation deter you from offering RSA — these patients do as well as, or better than, those with normal acromia.
However, if a patient's rehabilitation stalls, becomes painful, or suddenly deteriorates within the first postoperative year, get radiographs to rule out a postoperative scapular spine fracture: this complication carries a mean Constant score of 35 and is notoriously difficult to treat.