ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study compared the clinical and radiological results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using an anterosuperior approach with those using a deltopectoral approach to determine the difference in cuff tear arthroplasty between both approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 24 consecutive patients who underwent RSA due to cuff tear arthroplasty from February 2014 to November 2015 was performed. The anterosuperior and deltopectoral approaches were 12 cases each. The mean age was 72 years and the mean follow-up period was 13.2 months. The clinical results were assessed using the visual analogue pain scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score, Korean shoulder scoring system, and the Constant score. The prosthesis-scapular neck angle (PSNA), peg-glenoid rim distance (PGRD), scapular neck-inferior glenosphere rim distance (inferior glenosphere overhang), acromion-greater tuberosity (AT) distance, glenoid-greater tuberosity (GT) distance were assessed, and severity of notching according to the Nerot-Sirveaux classification, were measured from the radiology evaluation. RESULTS: Compared to the anterosuperior approach, the PSNA (9.6°, p=0.018) and inferior glenosphere overhang (2.0 mm, p=0.024) were significantly greater in the deltopectoral approach and the PGRD (2.2 mm, p=0.043) was shorter. The AT and GT distance was similar in the two groups. Two and three cases of implant notching occurred on deltopectoral approach and anterosuperior approach, respectively. No metal loosening, acromion fracture, or nerve injury was noted. The clinical results improved significantly in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The anterosuperior approach could cause the superior position of the glenoid baseplate and a decrease in the inferior tilt compared to the deltopectoral approach, but the clinical results had improved in both groups and there was no difference between the two groups.