Factors associated with poor active anterior elevation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common procedure for shoulder dysfunction.
• Some patients experience persistent functional limitations despite RTSA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of poor motion recovery after RTSA.
• To identify factors associated with suboptimal outcomes following RTSA.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-six patients undergoing primary RTSA were evaluated.
• Patients were categorized into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups based on postoperative active anterior elevation.
• Demographic, clinical, and radiographic parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Satisfactory outcomes were achieved in 58 patients; 18 had unsatisfactory outcomes.
• Preoperative pseudoparalysis and medical comorbidities did not significantly differ between groups.
• Increased postoperative lateral humeral offset (LHO) was significantly associated with poorer active anterior elevation (P=.001).

Conclusions:

• RTSA provides satisfactory active anterior elevation in approximately 75% of patients.
• Postoperative LHO is a significant predictor of poor functional recovery after RTSA.
• Surgeons should aim to minimize increases in LHO during RTSA with medialized implants.