Clinical and Functional Results of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty and Postoperative Rehabilitation Protocol

Abstract

This retrospective study aims to analyze the clinical and functional results obtained over a seven-year period of performing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and the subsequent postoperative rehabilitation protocol. MethodsWe analyzed data from 80 patients who were evaluated at a preoperative, as well as monthly postoperative outpatient consultation, until the discharge from the rehabilitation program, using Constant Score (CS). ResultsA comparison of preoperative and postoperative (after rehabilitation protocol) results revealed an improved functional score of absolute CS (20.8 increase), normal relative CS (29.1 increase), and individual relative CS (31.7 increase) with statistical significance (p<0.05). From the analysis of CS subscores, there was a positive evolution of the pain subscore, as well as flexion, abduction, and external rotation combined with abduction range of motion (ROM). Contrarily, there was a negative evolution of the combined internal rotation, extension, and adduction ROM, as well as deltoid muscle strength. No statistically significant correlations were found between age and postoperative CS, as well as between the time interval from surgery to the beginning of outpatient rehabilitation and CS evolution. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that RTSA is an effective therapeutic option that, if combined with a well-structured rehabilitation program, can improve pain, mobility, and upper limb functionality.

Assessment of Isokinetics and Range of Motion of the Shoulder in Patients after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in the Late Follow-Up Period

“…A very important and often emphasized element of postoperative management in patients after rTSA is properly and regularly performed physiotherapy. Pereira et al, based on research conducted in 2022, observed that rTSA combined with rehabilitation procedures results in an upward trend in the range of motion of flexion, abduction and the combined movement of abduction with external rotation, and at the same time, it results in a downward trend in the range of combined movement of extension, adduction and internal rotation as well as in the strength of the deltoid muscle [26].…”

Can we accelerate rehabilitation following reverse shoulder arthroplasty? A systematic review

“…As a result, several approaches to applying the core components and ideas of rehabilitation are used. 4,[8][9][10][11][12][13] Moffatt et al in a recent review focused on early versus delayed rehabilitation in shoulder arthroplasties (anatomic + reverse). 14 The investigation found no differences in patient-reported or clinician-reported outcomes at 12 months.…”