What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the occurrence of anterior deltoid atrophy following reverse shoulder arthroplasty and its association with surgical approaches and neurophysiological factors.

April 25, 2026Open Access

Anterior deltoid atrophy after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a preliminary prospective study on surgical approach and neurophysiological correlates

Key Points

To investigate the occurrence of anterior deltoid atrophy following reverse shoulder arthroplasty and its association with surgical approaches and neurophysiological factors.
Prospective study evaluating anterior deltoid atrophy post-reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Assessment of correlation with superolateral surgical approach
Exploration of neurophysiological correlates and mechanical factors
42% incidence of anterior deltoid atrophy after reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Significant association between atrophy and superolateral surgical approach
Findings indicate potential mechanical aetiology, suggesting future investigation with bony acromial flap reinsertion technique

Abstract

Anterior deltoid atrophy is common after RTSA (42%) and is significantly associated with the superolateral approach. The absence of a neurophysiological correlate is consistent with a mechanical aetiology related to deltoid reinsertion technique, although causality cannot be established from this observational study. These findings generate a testable hypothesis warranting prospective evaluation of bony acromial flap reinsertion in future comparative studies.

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Cite This Study

Lópiz et al. (Thu,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ec5aa788ba6daa22dac2a4 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-026-06804-4

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