Outcomes following manufacturer-mismatched implants in primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty

In reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), surgeons predominantly use components from the same manufacturer. In certain situations, it may be advantageous to “mismatch” components. There is a lack of literature investigating outcomes following manufacturer-mismatched implants. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following RSA with manufacturer-mismatched implants. All primary or revision RSAs between 2013 to 2021 with manufacturer-mismatched glenoid and humeral components was performed. Data collected included demographic variables, postoperative function, and complications. Totally 85 patients underwent RSA with manufacturer-mismatched implants. Sixty-three were primary cases (74%) and 22 (26%) were revision cases. The mean age was 70.2 ± 8.8, and 20 (24%) were male. The mean follow-up was 47.8 (range: 24–114 months). In primary cases the mean ASES score was 79.1 ± 21.3, SANE score of 75 ± 25.4, and VAS pain score of 1.8 ± 2.5. For revisions, the mean ASES score was 61.2 ± 25.9, SANE score of 50 ± 31.9, and VAS pain score of 3.2 ± 2.9. These are comparable to historical controls. Fourteen (16.4%) patients sustained a postoperative complication, six (7.1%) underwent a reoperation. Our results demonstrate that manufacturer-mismatching has comparable postoperative function, complications, and reoperation rates to the reported literature.

Level of evidence: III