Sports activity after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with minimum 2-year follow-up

Abstract

There is limited information on activity levels of patients with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We conducted a study of the types of sporting activities in which 78 patients with RTSA could participate. Mean follow-up was 4.8 years. Mean (SD) age at surgery was 75.3 (7.5) years. Seventy-five percent of the patients were women. Sixty-one percent underwent surgery for cuff tear arthropathy, 31% for revision of previous arthroplasty or internal fixation, 7% for complex fractures, and 1% for tumor. Mean (SD) postoperative ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score was 77.5 (23.4). After surgery, mean active forward elevation was 140°, mean external rotation was 48°, and mean internal rotation was to S1. Four patients played golf; none were able to play tennis. Eighteen patients (23.1%) engaged in 24 high-intensity activities, such as hunting, golf, and skiing; 48.7% engaged in moderate-intensity activities, such as swimming, bowling, and raking leaves; and 28.2% engaged only in low-intensity activities. Regarding reasons for their limited activity, 59% of the patients cited medical problems, 19.2% cited shoulder limitations, 2.5% cited fear of injury, and 19.2% reported not being limited. RTSA results in good pain relief and motion, with a variety of postoperative overhead activities enjoyed by some patients who are not limited by comorbidities.