POSTERIOR CAPSULORRHAPHY IN TOTAL SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY - A CASE-REPORT

The management of intraoperative posterior instability during total sh oulder arthroplasty includes soft tissue balancing, reduction of humer al component retroversion, and augmentation of posterior glenoid defec ts. Severe instability caused by incompetence of the posterior capsule may require plication of the capsular remnant or a posterior muscle t o the glenoid or proximal humerus. A technique of posterior capsulorrh aphy to the proximal humerus is described that does not require a sepa rate surgical approach. By restoring stability, early range of motion exercises can be instituted, eliminating the need for postoperative im mobilization. Posterior stability should be assessed during all total shoulder arthroplasties.