A surgical approach in total shoulder arthroplasty.

The long deltopectoral approach promoted by Neer is the standard for performing a total shoulder arthroplasty. However, this exposure is inadequate for preparation and bone grafting of the glenoid cavity or repairing an associated large rotator cuff tear. In the anatomy laboratory we looked for an alternative approach to the glenohumeral joint which would accommodate these difficulties. Afterwards we used this approach in 7 of 13 patients in whom a Biomet Bio-modular shoulder arthroplasty was planned. The study is prospective with a 1-year follow-up of 12 cases.