Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for patients receiving workers' compensation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Workers' compensation (WC) benefits may negatively impact orthopedic procedure outcomes.
• This study investigates postoperative outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in WC recipients versus a control group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the postoperative outcomes of anatomic TSA between patients receiving WC benefits and a control group.
• To evaluate patient demographics, functional scores, and return to work status.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 13 WC patients undergoing TSA was compared to 63 non-WC patients.
• Follow-up was a minimum of 2 years.
• Evaluated outcomes included demographics, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores, and return to work status.

Main Results:

• The WC cohort was younger (mean age 55.9 vs 63.2 years) and predominantly laborers.
• WC patients had significantly lower ASES scores at final follow-up (73.6 vs 86.6).
• No significant difference was found in SF-12 physical or mental component scores; only 4 of 13 WC patients returned to work.

Conclusions:

• Patients receiving WC benefits who undergo anatomic TSA are typically younger, male, and laborers.
• While outcomes are generally good and superior to other WC surgery cohorts, they are relatively worse than in non-WC TSA patients.
• A substantial proportion of WC patients do not return to work after TSA.