Subscapularis Peel in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

• Main Authors: Corey T Clyde MD, Thomas W Throckmorton MD, Thomas R Duquin MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2018-11-01
• Series: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Arthroplasty
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2471549218813409

Background Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for patients with glenohumeral arthritis and an intact rotator cuff with successful outcomes. However, one complication is rupture of the subscapularis tendon postoperatively. Controversy exists regarding the optimal technique of subscapularis tendon management. The purpose of the present article is to review subscapularis peel repair method. Methods The current literature on anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and subscapularis peel was reviewed to determine the viability of the repair technique. Results Both biomechanical and clinical studies have demonstrated advantages and disadvantages of the subscapularis peel technique, most often by way of direct comparison with lesser tuberosity osteotomy, without consensus as to a superior repair method. Discussion The subscapularis peel repair in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty when performed correctly may yield successful biomechanical and clinical outcomes for patients.