A reduced scapulo-humeral angle contributes to the development of scapular notching in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
2024

Scapulo-Humeral Angle and Scapular Notching in Shoulder Surgery

Sample size: 42 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Minoli Carlo, Travi Martino, Compagnoni Riccardo, Radaelli Simone, Menon Alessandra, Marcolli Daniele, Tassi Alberto, Randelli Pietro S.

Primary Institution: U.O.C Week Surgery, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy

Hypothesis

A reduced scapulo-humeral angle contributes to the development of scapular notching in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Conclusion

A smaller preoperative scapulo-humeral angle is associated with a higher incidence and severity of scapular notching after surgery.

Supporting Evidence

  • 12 out of 42 patients developed scapular notching, indicating a 28.5% incidence.
  • A significant correlation was found between preoperative scapulo-humeral angle and the incidence of scapular notching.
  • All patients with a scapulo-humeral angle below 50° developed scapular notching.

Takeaway

If the angle between the shoulder blade and the arm is too small, it can cause problems after shoulder surgery, like a condition called scapular notching.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, measuring the scapulo-humeral angle and assessing scapular notching.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and has a relatively small sample size due to strict inclusion criteria.

Participant Demographics

Patients aged 18 years or older undergoing RTSA due to rotator cuff arthropathy.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95% C.I. -0.8250 to -0.4963

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s00264-024-06343-w

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