27/02/2026
At SOSC in New Plymouth, we’ve been examining national joint registry data to answer an important question:
Is a standard (anatomic) shoulder replacement safe and effective in patients with inflammatory arthritis?
Our research shows:
• It is just as safe as reverse shoulder replacement
• Revision rates are comparable
• Patients report better function — even 5–10 years after surgery
This challenges long-held assumptions. With modern implant advances, we’re now confidently offering anatomic shoulder replacement to more appropriately selected patients to achieve better outcomes, based on our research work.
Another great effort by Dr Brendon Newton.