Are the Current Size Options of Glenoid Baseplates for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Sufficient for our Local Population?

Abstract

Background/Purpose Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is an effective treatment for patients who suffer from shoulder pain and dysfunction associated with a variety of shoulder pathologies including severe rotator cuff deficiency with or without glenohumeral arthritis. It has been widely used in European countries and the United States and is now gaining popularity in Asia, including Hong Kong. However, there are only limited size options available for glenoid baseplates, with 25 mm being the smallest size in some commonly used systems. The aim of our study is to perform computerized tomography (CT) measurements of the glenoid dimension in the Chinese population and to see if the current glenoid baseplate component size option is sufficient for our local population. Methods A total of 70 CT scans of shoulder regions were analysed. Measurements included maximum superoinferior height and the anteroposterior height. Results The glenoid dimensions were smaller compared to those from previous studies in Caucasian counterparts. Some 41% of female glenoids had widths measuring < 25 mm (25 mm being the smallest size available in some commonly used RSA systems). Conclusion Although there are only limited size options available for the glenoid baseplate in RSA, from our data, it should be able to cover most patients in our local population. However, surgeons should exercise special care when contemplating performing reverse shoulder replacement for small size females in our local population.