Comparative learning curves for early complications in anatomical and reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Introduction There has been a significant increase in the implantation of reverse shoulder replacements over anatomical shoulder replacements in the past five years. Few comparative data exist comparing early complication rates and learning curves. This study aimed to evaluate the early complication rates and learning curves of a single surgeon series of anatomical and reverse shoulder replacements over the first five years of independent practice. Materials and methods The first 100 anatomical and 100 reverse shoulder replacements performed between July 2011 and July 2016 were reviewed to identify early complications. Cumulative sum plots were used to analyse the learning-curve effect. Results Early complications were noted in 4 anatomical and 17 reverse shoulder replacements. One of the anatomical and ten of the reverse shoulder replacements required a return to theatre within three months. The early complication rates were observed to be significantly higher in the reverse shoulder replacement group co...