The reverse shoulder: Promises and pitfalls

Abstract

Superior humeral escape, typically seen in patients with cuff tear arthropathy who have loss of the coracoacromial arch, has presented a significant problem for shoulder surgeons. No surgical technique has adequately addressed this problem until the design of the Grammont reverse prosthesis. Although previous constrained and reverse designs have failed, the unique aspect of this device is that it minimizes the forces acting on the glenoid component fixation. Although it should still be considered a salvage device in older, less active patients, it has provided an excellent alternative for this previously hopeless problem.