Retroversion in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

This study is investigating the optimal angle (retroversion) at which to position the implant during reverse shoulder arthroplasty — a specialized shoulder replacement surgery used when the rotator cuff tendons are severely damaged and a standard shoulder replacement would not function properly. The positioning of the implant significantly affects how well the shoulder moves and how long the replacement lasts. The study includes patients over 60 years of age who are having reverse shoulder replacement for primary rotator cuff arthropathy (joint damage caused by chronic rotator cuff failure). People who have had previous shoulder surgeries or whose arthritis developed after a traumatic injury are excluded. This is an observational study comparing outcomes between patients who received implants placed at different angles, helping surgeons understand which positioning leads to the best function and longevity. As populations age and shoulder replacements become more common, optimizing surgical technique for reverse shoulder arthroplasty could help thousands of older adults regain mobility, reduce pain, and avoid needing revision surgery down the line.