JBJS - 2026-05-06 - Journal Article; Review
Robotic-Assisted Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Rationale, Potential, Challenges, and Future Directions.
Menendez ME, Mighell MA, Sanchez-Sotelo J, Athwal GS
Topics
Key Takeaway
Robotic-assisted RSA has entered early clinical use with the stated goal of reducing component malposition outliers, but no clinical outcome data yet exist to validate this benefit.
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Summary
This innovation review examines the rationale, potential benefits, implementation challenges, and future directions for robotic-assisted RSA. The authors argue that malposition of the glenoid baseplate and humeral component drives complications including dislocation (1–5%), acromial fracture, and SSN injury, and that robotic execution of preoperative plans could reduce these outliers. No clinical outcome data comparing robotic-assisted to conventional RSA are presented.
Key Limitation
The absence of any comparative clinical outcome data means the central claim — that robotic assistance reduces malposition and improves outcomes — remains entirely unvalidated.
Original Abstract
Robotic-assisted reverse shoulder arthroplasty has recently entered early limited clinical use, with the goal of improving the execution of preoperative plans and reducing malposition outliers that increase complication rates and health-care costs. This Innovation article reviews the rationale for this technology, explores its potential impact, examines key implementation challenges, and highlights the future directions needed to determine its ultimate value.