Glenoid lateralization angle influences the rate of scapular notching after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study on 139 patients with minimum 2 years follow up from the FP-UCBM Shoulder Study Group
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background The glenoid lateralization angle (GLA), humeral lateralization angle (HLA), glenoid distalization angle (GDA), and humeral distalization angle (HDA) are new coronal parameters used to assess glenoid and humeral positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This study aimed to correlate these angles with scapular notching (SN) and clinical outcomes to guide component placement. Methods A retrospective analysis of 139 patients undergoing primary RSA was performed. Clinical outcomes, including Constant-Murley score, simple shoulder test, visual analog scale, and range of motion, were collected preoperatively and at 24 months postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation included the measurement of GLA, HLA, GDA, and HDA on Grashey projection X-rays, alongside the incidence and grade of SN. Results GLA was significantly associated with a reduced probability of SN ( p = .002), with a threshold of 51.5° identified as critical for increased notching risk. No correlation was found between clinical outcomes or ROM and any of the measured angles ( p > .05). Radiographic reliability was high (κ = 0.89). Conclusions GLA, HLA, GDA, and HDA are reproducible measures. Only reduced glenoid lateralization (GLA < 51.5°) was linked to increased scapular notching, underscoring its importance in preoperative planning, while distalization and humeral angles showed minimal clinical influence. Level of evidence Level III cohort study.
Source: Shoulder & Elbow
Authors: Edoardo Franceschetti, Michele Paciotti, Antonino De Rosa, Pietro Gregori, Mauro Ciuffreda, Giovanni Perricone, Mauro La Bruna, Giancarlo Giurazza, Alice Laudisio, Rocco Papalia
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4417279924