Reverse Shoulder System Assists in Rapid Recovery

PRECISION TECHNOLOGY NEWS

In July 2007, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. (Warsaw, IN) launched a shoulder implant designed to minimize end-stage cuff-tear arthropathy (CTA). The Delta Xtend Reverse Shoulder System is designed to reduce the risk of scapular neck erosion and preserve healthy bone tissue to aid in rapid recovery, while optimizing shoulder range of motion.

In the Delta Xtend, the anatomy of the shoulder is reversed. The ball portion is attached to the scapula, and the socket is placed at the upper end of the humerus. This structure employs the healthy deltoid muscle in developing quicker, pain-free shoulder function in end-stage CTA patients.

The implant is a total, semiconstrained shoulder arthroplasty that reverses the normal relationship between the scapular and humeral components. Moving the scapulo-humeral joint center of rotation medially and inferiorly increases the deltoid lever arm as well as the deltoid tension, allowing the muscles of the deltoid group to compensate for rotator cuff deficiencies.

The humeral stem of the implant is suited for cemented fixation. The glenoid component is cementless with four screws for primary fixation and hydroxyaptite (HA) coating for secondary fixation.

DePuy Orthopaedics designs, manufactures, and distributes orthopedic devices and supplies including hip, knee, extremity, trauma, cement, orthobiologics, and operating room products.

The company has based its support for the Delta Extend on scientific and clinical knowledge and does not recommend the Delta Xtend for patients who have bone disease, deficiencies in the scapula, or who do not have functioning deltoid muscles.

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