Effect of Two Types of Shoulder Prosthesis on the Muscle Forces Using a Generic Multibody Model for Different Arm Motions

Abstract Background: This study aims to analyze the effects of a novel dual-bearing shoulder prosthesis and a conventional reverse shoulder prosthesis on the deltoid and rotator cuff muscle forces for four different arm motions. The dual-bearing prosthesis is a glenoid sparing joint replacement with a moving center of rotation compared to the natural shoulder to increase the moment arms of the acting muscles for arm lifting. It has been developed to treat rotator cuff arthropathy, providing an increased post-operative functionality. Methods: An OpenSim® three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of an upper body, incorporating a natural gleno-humeral joint and a scapulothoracic joint developed by Blana et al. [1], was used as a reference for the natural shoulder. It was modified by integrating first a novel dual-bearing prosthesis, and second, a reverse shoulder prosthesis into the shoulder joint complex. Four different arm motions, namely abduction, scaption, internal and external rotation, were simulated using an inverse kinematics approach. For each of the three models, shoulder muscle forces and joint reaction forces were calculated with a 2 kg weight in the hand. Results: In general, the maximal shoulder muscle force and joint reaction force values were in a similar range for both prosthesis models during all four motions. The maximal deltoid muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing were 18% lower for abduction and 3% higher for scaption compared to the natural shoulder. The maximal rotator cuff muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing were 36% lower for abduction and 1% higher for scaption compared to the natural shoulder. Although the maximal deltoid muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing in internal and external rotation were 52% and 64% higher respectively, compared to the natural shoulder, the maximal rotator cuff muscle forces were 27% lower in both motions. Conclusion: The study shows that the dual-bearing shoulder prosthesis is a feasible option for patients with rotator cuff tear and has a strong potential to be used as secondary as well as primary joint replacement. The study also demonstrates that computer simulations can help to guide the continued optimization of this particular design concept for successful clinical outcomes.