Sports Participation After Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR) is becoming a popular and reliable treatment for rotator cuff arthropathy. However, little is known about the ability to participate in sports after surgery.

To determine to what extent RTSR will allow patients to participate in sporting activities and identify the associated factors that could affect postoperative sports participation.

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Data were collected prospectively from patients who underwent RTSR over a 10-year period from April 2009 to May 2019. Patients were assessed before surgery, at 6 months after surgery, and at the final follow-up. Patients were asked within a validated shoulder questionnaire to rank their current highest level of sports participation, overall shoulder status, frequency of pain, level of pain, and functional levels. Their shoulder range of motion and strength were assessed before surgery and at 6 months after surgery.

The study included 108 shoulders (106 patients). The mean age was 74 years (range, 51-88 years), with 44 men and 64 women. The mean follow-up was 4 years. Overall shoulder satisfaction, frequency and levels of pain, and shoulder function improved significantly at 6 months and 4 years (P < .0001). External rotation, abduction, and forward flexion range of motion improved significantly at 6 months (P < .05 for all). The strength of internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, and adduction improved significantly at 6 months (P < .001 for all). The rate of return to sports was 67% at 6 months and 48% at 4 years. Multiple significantly associated factors were identified with return to sports at 6 months, including sex and age.

The rate of return to sports after RTSR is high. Around two-thirds of patients can return to sports at 6 months postoperatively, although the results slightly deteriorate over time (48% at 4 years).