Custom, 3-Dimensional Patient-Specific Instrumentation in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Part 2, Dissection and Soft Tissue Management

During anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, careful dissection and meticulous soft tissue management ensure adequate visualization of the articular and bony surfaces, allowing the proper use of surgical instrumentation and ensuring accurate placement of prosthetic components. Exposure must be balanced with protection of the surrounding soft tissues, as well as neurovascular structures, which can have long-term postoperative implications. In Part 2 of this technique series for the management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, we describe our technical approach for dissection, exposure, and management of soft tissues in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, including pearls and pitfalls, as well as a discussion of the benefits and risks of the most common approaches.