Early results of a reverse design prosthesis in the treatment of arthritis of the shoulder in elderly patients with a large rotator cuff tear.

Results of shoulder arthroplasty in patients with a deficient rotator cuff often are suboptimal with significant limitations in postoperative active mobility. Short-term results using a reverse design prosthesis in the treatment of the cuff-deficient arthritic shoulder are encouraging. This prosthesis compares favorably, particularly with regard to postoperative active anterior elevation, to other treatment options in this challenging patient population.