Complications After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: One Door Closes, Another Opens

The concept of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was first introduced in the 1970s for the treatment of arthritic rotator cuff deficient shoulders. All of these implants were clinical failures and removed from the market. In April 2004, the FDA allowed reintroduction of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty into the USA. We discuss the frequently seen complications after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and make some recommendations to help prevent these occurrences. The reverse total shoulder continues to evolve in an attempt to reduce the incidence of complication. The implant is currently in its third generation and early promising results have been reported.