Each year approximately 40,000 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (RTSA) are performed in the United States. This value is increasing annually due to the aging population and increasing indications for the procedure. The most common indication for RTSA is an irreparable rotator cuff where patients experience severe pain and pseudoparalysis of the joint. RTSA reverses the ball-and-socket anatomy of the joint by replacing the glenoid with a spherical component and the humeral head with a cup-like component. This design allows for the deltoid to replace the function of the rotator cuff. While this restores function for patients, a major complication with the procedure is loosening of the glenoid baseplate. There are several factors that can contribute to the fixation of the glenoid baseplate including design of the baseplate and implantation method. The objective of this research is to first determine the force required to cause initial loosening of the glenoid baseplate and the force required to cause ultimate failure of the baseplate, and secondly, to distinguish trends in the design parameters resulting in increased fixation in order to optimize baseplate design
