Comparison of Conventional, Patient-Specific, and Augmented Reality Navigation in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (STEP-AR)

June 11, 2026 updated by: Krankenhaus Barmherzige Schwestern Linz

Comparison of Conventional, Patient-Specific, and Augmented Reality Navigation in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: CT-Based Glenoid Positioning Accuracy and Functional Outcomes

This monocentric observational cohort study compares conventional instrumentation, patient-specific instrumentation, and augmented reality navigation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The primary objective is to assess the accuracy of glenoid component positioning based on postoperative CT data. Secondary objectives include evaluation of functional outcomes and clinical performance at mid-term follow-up. Patients who underwent surgery between 2021 and 2024 are followed up clinically at 2 years postoperatively.

Study Overview

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

This study investigates the accuracy and clinical relevance of different planning and implementation techniques in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Patients treated at a single orthopedic center between 2021 and 2024 were included. Three established surgical approaches were analyzed: conventional instrumentation, patient-specific instrumentation, and augmented reality navigation.

Initial data collection included retrospective and prospective assessment of preoperative planning parameters and their intraoperative implementation. Postoperative evaluation included low-dose CT imaging to assess glenoid component positioning accuracy.

The current phase of the study focuses on long-term clinical outcomes, with a standardized 2-year follow-up including clinical examination and validated functional outcome scores. No additional imaging is performed as part of the follow-up phase.

Patients were not randomized; group allocation reflects the surgical technique used at the time of treatment.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

50

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

      • Linz, Austria, 4020
        • Ordensklinikum Linz - Barmherzige Schwestern

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty at a single tertiary orthopedic center (Ordensklinikum Linz - Barmherzige Schwestern, Austria) between 2021 and 2024. The study population includes individuals treated using conventional instrumentation, patient-specific instrumentation, or augmented reality navigation as part of routine clinical care. Only patients with available preoperative planning data and postoperative CT imaging, as well as those eligible for clinical follow-up, were included. All participants are invited for a standardized clinical and functional assessment at 2 years postoperatively.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty performed between 2021 and 2024
  • Available preoperative imaging and planning (X-ray and/or CT)
  • Available postoperative CT imaging
  • Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Major perioperative complications not related to the shoulder procedure affecting outcomes
  • Incomplete imaging or clinical data

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Conventional Instrumentation
Patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using conventional surgical techniques.
Patient-Specific Instrumentation
Patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using patient-specific instrumentation based on preoperative planning.
Augmented Reality Navigation
Patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using augmented reality-assisted navigation (NEXTAR system).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Accuracy of Glenoid Component Positioning
Time Frame: up to 2years postoperatively
Comparison of preoperative planning parameters with postoperative CT-based measurements of glenoid component positioning, including inclination, version, implant size, and screw placement.
up to 2years postoperatively

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Constant-Murley Score (Constant Score)
Time Frame: 2 years postoperatively
The Constant Score is a comprehensive shoulder function assessment. The total score ranges from 0 to 100 points. Higher scores indicate better shoulder performance and function; lower scores indicate greater functional impairment and symptoms.
2 years postoperatively
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES)
Time Frame: 2 years postoperatively
Shoulder pain and function will be assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score. The total score ranges from 0 to 100 points. Higher scores indicate less pain and better shoulder function.
2 years postoperatively
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH)
Time Frame: 2 years postoperatively
The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score measures disability and symptoms affecting the upper extremity, including the arm, shoulder, and hand. The total score ranges from 0 to 100 points. Lower scores indicate better upper-limb function and fewer symptoms; higher scores indicate greater disability and functional limitations.
2 years postoperatively
Complications and Revision Surgery
Time Frame: Up to 2 years postoperatively
Occurrence of complications or revision procedures.
Up to 2 years postoperatively

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

November 1, 2023

Primary Completion (Actual)

December 31, 2025

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 1, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 11, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

June 12, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

June 12, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 11, 2026

Last Verified

June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 1264/2023

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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