Regarding humeral reaming, which statement is correct?

Regarding humeral reaming, which statement is correct?

• A. Ream until cortical chatter is obtained.
• B. Do not ream the humerus.
• C. Reaming depth is irrelevant.
• D. Ream until cortical fit is obtained.

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is to prepare the humeral canal so the implant can achieve a stable press-fit against the cortical walls. Progressive reaming shapes the canal to match the inner cortex, and you stop when the final reamer size provides a cortical fit—meaning the cortex is engaged properly and the stem will be held firmly without over-penetrating. Reaming until cortical chatter would risk breaching the cortex and compromising stability, while not reaming at all or deeming depth irrelevant would leave the canal poorly prepared. So the best practice is to ream until cortical fit is obtained.

The essential idea is to prepare the humeral canal so the implant can achieve a stable press-fit against the cortical walls. Progressive reaming shapes the canal to match the inner cortex, and you stop when the final reamer size provides a cortical fit—meaning the cortex is engaged properly and the stem will be held firmly without over-penetrating. Reaming until cortical chatter would risk breaching the cortex and compromising stability, while not reaming at all or deeming depth irrelevant would leave the canal poorly prepared. So the best practice is to ream until cortical fit is obtained.