Subscapularis lengthening in shoulder arthroplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To report the technique and outcome of subscapularis (SSC) lengthening in shoulder arthroplasty.


METHODS
When external rotation measures less than 20 degrees, a coronal subscapularis lengthening is performed. This utilizes the interval between the anterior shoulder capsule and subscapularis to titrate the correct amount of anatomic length.


RESULTS
Average preoperative passive ER was -2 degrees. Average postoperative ER was 48 degrees. Belly press was graded as normal in 13 pts, mild in 12 pts, and poor in 2 pts.


CONCLUSIONS
Subscapularis tendon lengthening provides a large surface area for tendon healing and allows anatomic length to be restored. Subscapularis lengthening may preserve a better length-tension relationship of the SSC muscle in shoulders with significant IR contracture undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.
Nicholson
Gregory P
GP
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Twigg
Stacy
S
Blatz
Brice
B
Sturonas-Brown
Barbara
B
Wilson
Joseph
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000379:methods*; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012782:Shoulder / Q000601:surgery; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult