Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients 85 years and older is safe, effective, and durable

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) was originally indicated for older adults, but outcomes in the oldest patients have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to report on patients aged ≥85 years undergoing RSA. We hypothesized that RSA would be safe, effective, and durable.

Sixty-one RSAs were performed in 58 patients aged ≥85 years (16 patients aged ≥90 years); 40 RSAs were performed for arthritis with cuff deficiency, 14 were performed for proximal humeral fractures, and 7 were performed as revisions. Active range of motion and patient-reported outcomes, comprising the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and visual analog scale pain score, were obtained preoperatively and at final follow-up. Hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and complications were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was computed with revision surgery or death as an endpoint.

The mean age at RSA was 88.0 years. Mean forward elevation improved from 50.5° to 105.3°; abduction, from 48.7° to 96.1°; and external rotation, from 10.2° to 26.9° (P < .001 for all). Similarly, at a mean follow-up of 2.4 years, the visual analog scale pain score improved from 6.1 to 0.6; Simple Shoulder Test score, from 2.2 to 7.0; and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, from 33.6 to 78.2 (P < .001 for all). The mean length of stay was 3.6 days, and 15 patients were discharged home. Seven patients received a blood transfusion, and only 2 patients underwent a reoperation, neither of whom required explantation.

Improvements in active range of motion and patient-reported outcomes in our patients were comparable to those observed in younger cohorts and exceeded published minimal clinically important differences for most patients undergoing RSA for cuff deficiency. Additionally, to date, the patients in our study who died had lived with their RSA for a mean of 3.4 years and living patients had lived with their RSA for a mean of 4.3 years. RSA in patients aged ≥85 years is safe, effective, and durable for their remaining life expectancy. This information may help counsel older patients who are considering RSA, electively or for fractures.