Anterosuperior approach versus deltopectoral approach for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Surgical approach is an important factor that may affect the outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The most common approaches for RTSA are anterosuperior (AS) and deltopectoral (DP). However, controversy exists on which surgical approach is better. This meta-analysis aimed to compare both approaches in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes and complications. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies that compared the postoperative outcomes of the AS and DP approaches for RTSA. After screening and quality assessment of the articles, we obtained two randomized controlled trials and four retrospective comparative studies. We analyzed the radiologic outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications between the two approaches. The standardized mean difference and odds ratio were used to analyze the differences in outcomes between the two surgical approaches. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The incidence rate of glenoid implant loosening was significantly (P = 0.04) lower in the AS group than that in the DP group. In terms of forward flexion after surgery, the DP approach produced significantly (P = 0.03) better outcomes compared with the AS approach. There were no significant differences in radiological outcomes or other complication rates between the two approaches. CONCLUSION: As a result of this meta-analysis, one of the two approaches did not bring a better result than the other. One has strength for better forward flexion and the other for a lower glenoid loosening rate. With this in mind, it is recommended to use the approach that the surgeon is most familiar with.