Abstract
The role played by the subscapularis in shoulder arthroplasty has been the subject of intensive clinical outcomes and basic science research over the past decade. Although the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty are generally predictable, failure of the subscapularis has been identified as a potential factor that may lead to a poorer outcome. Subscapularis failure may lead to pain, limitation in range of motion, shoulder instability, and early implant failure. The incidence of failure is likely higher than previously recognized and was brought to light by early reports of subscapularis weakness following total shoulder arthroplasty and an associated incidence of adverse outcomes.
In order to obtain optimal treatment outcomes in shoulder arthroplasty, it is important for surgeons to possess a profound knowledge of subscapularis anatomy, results of biomechanical comparisons of various subscapularis management techniques, as well as the results of clinical outcomes studies in the setting of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
The overarching aim of this symposium is to provide surgeons with an important resource by bringing together the most up-to-date information on subscapularis management approaches and techniques. You will find articles written by leading researchers in the field of clinical outcomes and basic science research in shoulder arthroplasty. We sincerely hope you find this symposium useful.
Sincerely,
George Athwal and Peter Lapner
Footnotes
Authors’ Note
This work was performed at the Division of Orthopedics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and St Joseph’s Health Care, Hand and Upper Limb Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study received research support from Tornier Orthopedics Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (to GSA).