Preliminary Clinical Outcome of Virtual Surgical Planning to Assist Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Introduction. Complex proximal humerus fractures in elderly are preferably treated with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We hypothesized that patients with proximal humerus fractures benefit from virtual surgical planning (VSP) to overcome complication. Therefore, the aim was to investigate clinical outcome of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with preoperative virtual surgical planning compared to treatment without planning. Methodology. A cohort study was performed comparing two groups: RTSA with VSP vs. RTSA without VSP. Patients were included if planned for only a RSTA for an acute fracture within 28 days after trauma. The primary outcome measure was the range of motion (ROM) assessed for abduction, forward elevation and external rotation. The secondary outcome measures were complication rate, Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), operating time (minutes), and stem height of the prosthesis (mm). Results. Thirty-four patients were included with 27 in the RSTA with VSP group and 7 in the RSTA without VSP. No significant differences were found between the groups for ROM, complication rate, PROMs. Significant differences were found in favor of RSTA with VSP for operating time and stem height Conclusion. Preliminary data show some benefits using VSP in RTSA, but full data collection is needed to confirm positive effect on clinical outcome.