Computer-assisted planning for revision shoulder arthroplasty

Preoperative planning software has emerged as one of the most useful applications of computer-assisted surgery to the field of shoulder arthroplasty. As the burden of revision shoulder arthroplasty has continued to increase, and the value of preoperative planning software has been widely recognized for primary arthroplasty, preoperative planning in revision cases is desired by any surgeons. The development of revision planning software faces certain challenges, including segmentation of implants, artefact reduction, regulatory constraints, and other. Currently, certain planning software packages are available only when custom-made implants are being ordered, whereas a couple of products allow planning essentially every case. Finally, certain healthcare institutions have developed programs for point-of-care planning and 3D-printing. This article reviews the state of the art of preoperative planning software in revision shoulder arthroplasty and provides directions for additional future developments.