Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, which has been performed in Europe for almost 25 years, has shown promising results, especially in patients with specific conditions. This procedure has been indicated mainly for three types of cases: primary osteoarthritis with massive and irreparable rupture of the rotator cuff, severe sequelae of proximal humerus fractures, and revision surgery for a failed arthroplasty. Although reverse arthroplasty has been shown to significantly improve shoulder pain, range of motion, and functionality, it is a complex procedure that can lead to complications, with rates ranging between 19% and 68%. Among the most common complications are neurological damage, instability, periprosthetic fractures and hematoma, with infection being one of the most frequent, especially in revision surgeries, with an incidence that can reach up to 10% in inverted total prostheses. Despite these risks, reverse shoulder arthroplasty remains an effective and reliable option, especially for patients with severe proximal humerus fractures who have failed previous treatments.

Galo Enrique Mancheno Chacon is a distinguished specialist in orthopedics and traumatology, with a subspecialty in reconstructive surgery of the hand and upper limb. He is a certified member of the AACM. He has been a prominent speaker at multiple prestigious events, including the 46th, 47th, 48th, 49th, and 50th Ecuadorian Congress of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SEOT) and the 1st Mid-Term Course of the IFSSH. He has formerly held the position of head of service at IESS Quito Sur Hospital and currently serves as the head of the trauma unit at Novasalud Hospital.