Outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a senior athletic population

Background: This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in a senior athletic population playing both low- and high-impact sports.

Materials and methods: We evaluated 41 RTSAs performed in 40 patients who continued to play both low- and high-impact sports after surgery. The mean age was 73 years, and the mean follow-up period was 43 months, with a minimum of 35 months. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were examined.

Results: Ninety-five percent of patients indicated that they were able to return to sports at the same level as before surgery or at a higher level, and only 13% reported increased pain after playing their sport after undergoing an RTSA. The median American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 31 preoperatively to 72 postoperatively (P < .001). The median Constant score improved from 25 preoperatively to 83 postoperatively (P < .001). The median Subjective Shoulder Value improved from 27% preoperatively to 90% postoperatively (P < .001), and the median visual analog scale score improved from 7.2 preoperatively to 1.1 postoperatively (P < .001). The overall complication rate was 7%. One zone of lucency was noted in 17% of humeral stems, with 1 case of early subsidence but no cases with loosening at final follow-up. The glenoid notching rate was 7%, with no cases of glenoid subsidence, lucency, or loosening.

Conclusion: RTSA in senior athletes can be safely performed with good clinical results. No prominent mode of mechanical or clinical failure has been identified with short-term follow-up.