Does Postoperative Glenoid Component Retroversion Following Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Affect Clinical Outcomes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Surgeons commonly aim for less than 15 degrees of retroversion when positioning the glenoid component in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). However, the effect of glenoid component retroversion on patient-reported clinical outcomes remains unclear. Here we present a systematic review and meta-analysis seeking evidence that the clinical results of aTSA are associated with postoperative glenoid component version.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies reporting postoperative clinical outcomes and measurements of glenoid component version after primary anatomic shoulder arthroplasties were identified and submitted for meta-analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on postoperative glenoid component retroversion: (a) < 15 degrees and (b) ≥ 15 degrees.

RESULTS: Fifteen articles (1190 shoulders) met criteria for inclusion in our systematic review and meta-analysis. When comparing patient reported outcome scores, range of motion, and complications for shoulders with < 15 or ≥ 15 degrees of glenoid component retroversion, no clinically significant differences were noted between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This review of the published literature did not find evidence that postoperative glenoid component retroversion of < 15 or ≥ 15 degrees was associated with clinically significant differences in patient outcomes. Future studies with long term follow-up will be necessary to demonstrate the effect of glenoid component retroversion on the clinical value, costs and complications of anatomic shoulder arthroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Systematic Review; Prognosis Study.