Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Comparing patient-reported outcome measures and physical examination for internal rotation in patients undergoing
Edward J Southard1, Gabriella Ode2, Peter Simon3
1Shoulder Service, Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate how patients treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) achieve internal rotation (IR) using video assessment and to compare this to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
Methods:
We reviewed 215 preoperative and 657 postoperative videos (3-78 months) for 215 patients who underwent primary RSA, performing IR using the modified vertebral level method. Their functional motion pattern was then grouped into 3 types: type I, could not reach behind their back; type II, able to reach to at least waist level, with assistance; and type III, able to reach to a minimum of waist level in an uninterrupted fashion. Patients completed functional questions (put on a coat, wash back, tuck in a shirt, and manage toileting) and a diagram of perceived IR. Patients' functional motion types were compared to PROM answers. Pre- and postoperative scores were also compared to assess the effect of surgery on patients' perception of IR function.
Results:
Patients undergoing RSA will achieve IR in 3 distinct motion patterns. Analysis of self-reported IR indicated statistically significant difference between the 3 functional types of IR (P < .001). Patient-perceived IR was not significantly different between the 3 studied IR functional types (P = .076) in the analysis of preoperative measures but was significantly different in the postoperative setting (P < .001).
Conclusion:
Patients attempt IR in 3 distinct functional motion patterns. The improvement of IR after RSA is measured better by patient questionnaires than by physical examination.
