Shoulder Arthroplasty Trends: Insights from 11,500+ Preoperative Plans

The study has two primary objectives.

First, it describes the methods used to automatically calculate critical preoperative planning parameters, using consistent segmentation, landmarking, and algorithms unique to the Materialise SurgiCase Shoulder Planner. These standardized methods provide surgeons with a robust foundation for benchmarking their patients’ values against a globally representative dataset. Notably, variations in calculation methods between planning platforms — such as differences in defining glenoid face planes or scapular coordinate systems — can lead to discrepancies in parameter values.^1,2 This study helps surgeons better understand these nuances within the Materialise framework.

Second, the study analyzes the demographics and characteristics of patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). Together, these insights highlight trends in shoulder surgery and contribute to a deeper understanding of shoulder arthroplasty procedures worldwide.

The study analyzed 11,509 surgeon-approved shoulder arthroplasty cases planned from 2018 to 2023, across North America, Europe, and Oceania. Here are some of the most important insights:

• The average age of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty was 69.9 years, reflecting a predominantly older patient population
• The average pathologic scapula retroversion was 11 degrees, with a superior inclination of 5 degrees, posterior subluxation of 63%, and a humeral head diameter of 50.4 mm
• The average glenoid vault loss and max erosion depth were 11% and 3.7 mm, respectively
• There are clear differences between male and female patients in terms of both age and key anatomical measurements, underscoring the importance of tailoring surgical approaches to individual patient profiles

• rTSA accounted for 65.7% of the analyzed cases, while aTSA represented 34.3%
• rTSA is more frequently performed in older age groups, while aTSA is more common in younger patients (<60 years)
• Significant differences were observed between rTSA and aTSA groups regarding natural version and inclination angles, maximum erosion depth, and humeral head diameter
• There has been an increasing trend in the use of reverse shoulder prostheses over the years

• Differences in calculated anatomical parameters, such as glenoid inclination and version, subluxation, and humeral head diameter, were observed between regions
• rTSA accounted for 67% of cases in North America, 78% in Oceania, and 86% in Europe, highlighting differing regional preferences for reverse versus anatomic implants

This study provides valuable insights into global trends, patient demographics, and anatomical variations in shoulder arthroplasty, offering surgeons essential benchmarks to refine their practice. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of standardized planning methods in optimizing surgical outcomes. With clear insights into advanced preoperative planning tools like the SurgiCase Shoulder Planner, surgeons can develop personalized treatment strategies for both rTSA and aTSA procedures.

The future of shoulder arthroplasty lies in integrating preoperative planning with clinical insights to continuously refine treatment strategies and improve patient care. Materialise is committed to supporting surgeons in this journey by providing innovative tools that enhance surgical planning, helping them deliver optimal outcomes for their patients.

Want to dive deeper into the study? Read the full article here.