Outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a senior athletic population

This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in a senior athletic population playing both low- and high-impact sports.

We evaluated 41 RTSAs performed in 40 patients who continued to play both low- and high-impact sports after surgery. The mean age was 73 years, and the mean follow-up period was 43 months, with a minimum of 35 months. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were examined.

Ninety-five percent of patients indicated that they were able to return to sports at the same level as before surgery or at a higher level, and only 13% reported increased pain after playing their sport after undergoing an RTSA. The median American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 31 preoperatively to 72 postoperatively (P < .001). The median Constant score improved from 25 preoperatively to 83 postoperatively (P < .001). The median Subjective Shoulder Value improved from 27% preoperatively to 90% postoperatively (P < .001), and the median visual analog scale score improved from 7.2 preoperatively to 1.1 postoperatively (P < .001). The overall complication rate was 7%. One zone of lucency was noted in 17% of humeral stems, with 1 case of early subsidence but no cases with loosening at final follow-up. The glenoid notching rate was 7%, with no cases of glenoid subsidence, lucency, or loosening.

RTSA in senior athletes can be safely performed with good clinical results. No prominent mode of mechanical or clinical failure has been identified with short-term follow-up.