Specific complications associated with shoulder joint replacement

Complications such as scapular notching or artery, nerve and deltoid muscle damage can outweigh the benefits of shoulder joint replacement and result in poor functional outcomes. Reverse shoulder joint replacement may cause traction deformation of the brachial plexus and axillary vessels due to constructive medialistion and distalisation of the shoulder component. Delayed surgery after a fracture can lead to bleeding from damage to the axillary artery wall during the release of scarred soft tissues. Although most neurological complications after reverse arthroplasty (RA) are reversible, some persist, particularly damage to the axillary nerve. These complications can occur due to various reasons such as the use of acute retractors, glenoidal cavity release and humerus traction with further distalisation. Fixing the scapular component with screws can damage the supra-scapular nerve. Deltoid muscle dysfunction remains a serious complication due to axillary nerve damage or muscle fibre ruptures. Notching syndrome occurs when the shoulder component of the endoprosthesis collides with the scapula. Shoulder component dislocation, often caused by insufficient soft tissue tension due to implant misplacement, is not uncommon.
This study was necessitated by the significance of these complications, their varied causes, the relative rarity of reverse arthroplasty, previous shoulder trauma altering anatomy, poor functional outcomes, and diverse problem-solving approaches.

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