Range-of-motion Analysis of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

Limited range-of-motion (ROM) is a common problem after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The occurrence and magnitude depend on both surgical and patient-related factors. The most important surgical factor is the occurrence of impingement, which implicates collision between the humeral implant or bone and the scapula, limiting further motion. Patient-related factors such as scapula geometry and muscle function and activation also play an important role. Surgeons have to account for these factors when planning and implanting a RSA. Software models can support the surgeon during preoperative planning by using imaging data to simulate the ROM of a patient's shoulder after RSA. These software models allow for adaptation of the implant position during preoperative planning and, by this optimize the postoperative ROM. However, the models currently developed are limited in terms of ROM simulation and the factors the models take into account.