Shoulder arthroplasty expected outcomes: surgeons' opinion survey

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Patient Outcomes Research

Background:

• Shoulder arthroplasty effectively manages glenohumeral disease, improving pain and function.
• Growing emphasis on health economics and patient expectations necessitates evidence-based decision-making in surgical choices.
• Surgeon preference can influence the selection between total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively assess surgeons' perceived differences and similarities in anticipated outcomes between TSA and hemiarthroplasty.
• To understand surgeon perspectives on the trade-offs between different surgical procedures for shoulder conditions.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was distributed to orthopedic surgeons.
• Participants weighed the relative values of TSA and hemiarthroplasty based on various outcome variables.
• Ninety-eight surgeons (average age 51.7 years) completed the survey.

Main Results:

• Surgeons favored TSA over hemiarthroplasty for achieving better pain relief and improved range of motion (ROM).
• This preference for TSA persisted even when considering potential complications or decreased strength.
• The findings indicate a perception that TSA is preferred for patients prioritizing high levels of pain relief and ROM.

Conclusions:

• This study provides initial data for developing a patient-centered model for shoulder arthroplasty decision-making.
• Aligning patient desires with procedure-specific outcomes is crucial for optimizing treatment.
• Understanding surgeon perceptions is a key step toward tailoring surgical recommendations to individual patient needs.