Abstract
Complication rate after total shoulder arthroplasty ranges around 10%. These can be divided into intra-operative and post-operative complications. Intra-operative complications are periprosthetic fracture, nerve injury and malpositioning of components. Post-operative complications are instability, infection, rotator cuff tear, periprosthetic fracture, aseptic loosening, stiffness, heterotopic ossification and implant dissociation. The most effective means of preventing a complication are meticulous pre-operative planning, experience of the surgeon, adherence to sound surgical technique and intelligent patient selection and education.
