BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess impingement free internal rotation (IR) in a virtual reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) simulation using a Statistical Shape Model (SSM) based on scapula size.MethodsA database of over 10,000 scapulae utilized for preoperative planning for shoulder arthroplasty was analyzed with a SSM to obtain 5 scapula sizes including the mean and 2 standard deviations. For each scapula model, one glenosphere size (33 to 42 mm) was selected as the best fit based on consensus among 3 shoulder surgeons. Virtual implantation variables included: 1) lateral offset (0 to 12 mm in 2 mm increments), 2) inferior eccentricity (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mm), and 3) posterior eccentricity (0, 2.5, and 5 mm). The neck shaft angle was fixed at 135° with an inlay design humeral prosthesis. IR at the side (IR0) and in abduction (IRABD) were then simulated.ResultsMaximum impingement-free IR0 was reached with increasing inferior offset in combination with increasing lateralization. Lateralization was the most important variable in increasing impingement free IRABD. Maximum IRABD was reached at 4 to 6 mm of lateralization with smaller scapula (−2 to 0 SD). Increasing lateralization up to 12 mm continues to increase IRABD for larger sized scapula (+1 to +2 SD). Optimal inferior offset and lateralization to maximize IR did have a small loss of ER0. There was no loss of ERABD.ConclusionIn a virtual model, the glenosphere position required to maximize internal rotation varied by scapula size. For smaller scapulae, maximum IR0 was reached with a combination of 2.5 mm inferior offset and 0 to 4 mm of lateralization. For larger scapulae, maximum IR0 was reached with a combination of 2.5 mm of inferior offset and 4 mm of lateralization. The amount of lateralization required to maximize IRABD also varies by scapula size. Maximum IRABD was reached in smaller scapula with 4 to 6 mm of lateralization and at least 12 mm of lateralization in larger scapula. These findings may be applied in the clinical decision-making process knowing that impingement free IR and IRABD can be maximized with combinations of inferior offset and lateralization based on scapula size with minimal effect on ER and ERABD. The purpose of this study was to assess impingement free internal rotation (IR) in a virtual reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) simulation using a Statistical Shape Model (SSM) based on scapula size. A database of over 10,000 scapulae utilized for preoperative planning for shoulder arthroplasty was analyzed with a SSM to obtain 5 scapula sizes including the mean and 2 standard deviations. For each scapula model, one glenosphere size (33 to 42 mm) was selected as the best fit based on consensus among 3 shoulder surgeons. Virtual implantation variables included: 1) lateral offset (0 to 12 mm in 2 mm increments), 2) inferior eccentricity (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mm), and 3) posterior eccentricity (0, 2.5, and 5 mm). The neck shaft angle was fixed at 135° with an inlay design humeral prosthesis. IR at the side (IR0) and in abduction (IRABD) were then simulated. Maximum impingement-free IR0 was reached with increasing inferior offset in combination with increasing lateralization. Lateralization was the most important variable in increasing impingement free IRABD. Maximum IRABD was reached at 4 to 6 mm of lateralization with smaller scapula (−2 to 0 SD). Increasing lateralization up to 12 mm continues to increase IRABD for larger sized scapula (+1 to +2 SD). Optimal inferior offset and lateralization to maximize IR did have a small loss of ER0. There was no loss of ERABD. In a virtual model, the glenosphere position required to maximize internal rotation varied by scapula size. For smaller scapulae, maximum IR0 was reached with a combination of 2.5 mm inferior offset and 0 to 4 mm of lateralization. For larger scapulae, maximum IR0 was reached with a combination of 2.5 mm of inferior offset and 4 mm of lateralization. The amount of lateralization required to maximize IRABD also varies by scapula size. Maximum IRABD was reached in smaller scapula with 4 to 6 mm of lateralization and at least 12 mm of lateralization in larger scapula. These findings may be applied in the clinical decision-making process knowing that impingement free IR and IRABD can be maximized with combinations of inferior offset and lateralization based on scapula size with minimal effect on ER and ERABD.