Should the supraspinatus tendon be excised in the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture?

{PurposeIn the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) with tuberosity reconstruction, it is unclear whether the supraspinatus tendon continues to play a role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of RSA for PHFs in a large cohort of elderly patients and compare the results in the case of supraspinatus excision or preservation.MethodsIn this retrospective multicentre study, 150 patients (mean age 77 years, 93% female) were reviewed and radiographed with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The same Grammont prosthetic design was used in all cases (inclination angle 155 degrees, non-lateralised glenosphere). Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n=117) underwent supraspinatus excision and Group B supraspinatus preservation (n=33). Complications were recorded, and shoulder function, active mobility and subjective results were assessed.ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 59 months, there was no statistical difference in the complication rate (6% vs. 6.8%