JBJS, March 1, 2007, Volume 89, Issue 3

The Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Frederick A. Matsen, III, MD Pascal Boileau, MD Gilles Walch, MD Christian Gerber, MD Ryan T. Bicknell, MSc, MD

Shoulder

A reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a procedure considered for patients whose shoulder problem cannot be effectively managed with a conventional total shoulder replacement. The reverse total shoulder prosthesis is based on a concept introduced by Professor Paul Grammont, in which a convex articular surface is fixed to the glenoid and a concave articular surface is fixed to the proximal part of the humerus1 (Fig. 1). This prosthesis addresses some of the limitations of conventional arthroplasty. To understand the role of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, one must first understand the limitations of conventional arthroplasty.

Link to article