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

Purpose: In 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.

Methods: In this retrospective multicentre study, 150 patients (mean age 77 years, 93% female) were reviewed and radiographed with a minimum follow-up of 24 months.