Baseplate augmentation strategies: optimizing range of motion with reverse shoulder arthroplasty based upon variable glenoid deformity

Introduction: Various operative strategies exist to address glenoid deformity in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). There is lack of guidance in pairing operative strategies with type and severity of deformity especially with regard to glenoid lateralization, humeral lateralization, and global lateralization. The purpose of this study is to compare different glenoid baseplates on their ability to provide optimal glenoid lateralization and improve range-of-motion based upon pattern and severity of deformity in glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Methods: CT scans were chosen from a large database of osteoarthritic shoulders until ten from each of the following three cohorts were identified: 1) no deformity: retroversion <10° and inclination deformity <5°, 2) Uniplanar deformity: retroversion >15° and inclination <10° or, 3) biplanar deformity: retroversion >15° and inclination >15°. Imascap SAS (Wright Medical) was used to quantify deformities and plan RSA placement. Each case was planned with the following baseplates: standard implant, three mm lateralized, wedge augment, and patient-specific implant. Each baseplate was placed in 5° of retroversion and neutral inclination and medialized to 70% seating. Percent seating, amount of reaming, global lateralization, and simulated range of motion (ROM) was recorded for each scenario. Results: The average patient age was 65.4 (49-78) and 14 (47%) were women. Ten of thirty (33%) were classified as Walch A1 or A2, 19/30 (63%) were B1, B2, or B3, and 1/30 (5%) was a C. The normal, uniplanar, and biplanar groups had mean retroversion deformities of 2.1° (-3- 8°), 28.4° (22-36°), and 29.3° (19-39°) respectively. Across the three cohorts, increased global lateralization through glenoid-sided lateralization provided improved ROM most significantly in adduction (R = 0.82; P <.001), flexion (R = 0.78; P <.001), and external rotation (R = 0.76; P <.001). In the nodeformity cohort, less global lateralization was needed for improved range of motion compared to uniplanar and biplanar cohorts. In uniplanar deformities, the wedge augment provided similar amounts of added global lateralization as the patient-specific augment (7.2 mm vs 8.5mm; P = .06) and was equally able to improve range of motion. In the biplanar group, the patient-specific provided greater global lateralization than wedge augment when compared to standard implants (10.1mm vs 7.1mm; P = .002) and improved ROM. Conclusion: When RSA is used in the treatment for glenohumeral arthritis, the degree of deformity should be considered when choosing baseplate implants. Increased global lateralization is needed to optimize ROM in the setting of severe deformities and in select cases an augment wedge or patient-specific implant construct should be considered. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.