Subscapularis-Sparing Rotator Interval Approach for Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

backgroundA subscapularis-sparing approach to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is used for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis who have an intact rotator cuff and sufficient bone volume. DESCRIPTION: A 7 to 10-cm anterosuperior incision is made with the patient in the beach chair position. The anterolateral deltoid muscle raphe is split, and the shoulder is externally rotated to bring the rotator interval to the field. A flap of interval tissue is incised, tenodesis of the biceps tendon is performed, and the interval tissue is incised straight back to the glenoid from the upper edge of the subscapularis, creating a triangular piece of tissue referred to as a "trapdoor." Two Darrach retractors are placed to expose the humeral head. An intramedullary guide is placed, and a humeral head osteotomy is performed. The glenoid is exposed, and the glenoid component is placed after sizing, preparation, drilling, and insertion of trial components per the surgical technique. The humeral head size is estimated by measuring, and the humeral stem size is decided by sequentially inserting the trial components. The permanent humeral stem is inserted, and the permanent humeral head is implanted after insertion of trial components. The trapdoor is sutured, the deltoid is reattached, and subcutaneous tissue and skin are sutured. ALTERNATIVES: The traditional surgical approach for anatomic TSA involves release and reattachment of the subscapularis tendon. RATIONALE: Nearly all anatomic TSA techniques require the subscapularis to be released, with a peel, tenotomy, or osteotomy, and then repaired on completion of the arthroplasty. Failure of the subscapularis to heal is an unfortunate and potentially devastating complication following anatomic TSA that has been linked to decreased function, instability, and pain