Clinical and radiographic outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients 80 years of age and older

Predictors of poor and excellent outcomes following reverse shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff

BACKGROUND

As the indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) continue to evolve, it has been more commonly utilized for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff (GHOA). Given the increased use of RSA for GHOA, it is important to identify factors influential of clinical outcomes. In this study, we sought to identify variables predictive of clinical outcomes following RSA for GHOA.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary RSA for GHOA between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively identified through a prospectively maintained, single surgeon registry. Eligible patients had complete patient-reported outcome measures and range of motion measurements with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Univariate analysis was utilized to compare characteristics and outcome measures of patients with poor and excellent outcomes, which was defined as postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores in the bottom and top quartiles, respectively. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine factors independently predictive of postoperative ASES score.

RESULTS

A total of 230 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 33.4 months (SD 13.2). The mean age of the study population was 71.9 (SD 6.1). Two hundred twenty-four patients (97.4%) surpassed the minimal clinically important difference and 209 patients (90.1%) achieved substantial clinical benefit for ASES score. Preoperative factors differing between the poor and excellent outcome groups were sex (male: poor 37.9%, excellent 58.6%; P = .041), opioid use (poor 24.1%, excellent 5.2%; P = .009), ASES score (poor 32.9, excellent 41.0; P = .011), and forward elevation (poor 92°, excellent 101°; P = .030). Linear regression demonstrated that Walch B3 glenoids (β 7.08; P = .010) and higher preoperative ASES scores (β 0.14; P = .025) were predictors of higher postoperative ASES score, while postoperative complications (β -18.66; P < .001) and preoperative opioid use (β -11.88; P < .001) were predictive of lower postoperative ASES scores.

CONCLUSION

Over 90% of patients who underwent RSA for GHOA with an intact rotator cuff experienced substantial clinical benefit. An unsurprising handful of factors were associated with postoperative clinical outcomes; higher preoperative ASES scores were slightly associated with higher postoperative ASES, whereas preoperative opioid use and postoperative complications were associated with lower postoperative ASES. Additionally, Walch glenoid type B3 was associated with higher postoperative ASES, indicating that patients with posterior glenoid defects are not predisposed to poor clinical outcomes following RSA. These results serve as a resource to improve preoperative patient counseling and manage postoperative expectations.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Pain After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Despite being a generally successful procedure, pain following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is a known complication. The aim of this systematic review is to identify preoperative risk factors for pain following rTSA to encourage evidence-based interventions, inform clinicians, and aid in surgical planning. Studies that reported preoperative risk factors and pain after rTSA were included. Studies which reported outcome measures that incorporated pain scores yet did not display them independently, studies which only reported intraoperative risk factors, and studies involving participants under 18 were excluded. The search was conducted on May 31, 2023, across the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Four independent researchers conducted this systematic review, and a descriptive analysis was subsequently performed. Twenty-five studies were included following the evaluation of full-text articles, involving a total of 9,470 shoulders. Preoperative risk factors identified were categorised into the following groups: BMI, smoking, radiographic findings, age and sex, prior surgery, functional ability and pain, and psychosocial. The strongest associations identified were preoperative opioid use and smoking, which were both associated with worse pain outcomes following rTSA; other preoperative risk factors highlighted in this review showed either weak or no correlation. Preoperative opioid use and smoking are likely risk factors for the development of pain after rTSA. Although the studies included varying levels of quality, the identification of modifiable risk factors is useful in optimising management prior to surgery and guiding patient expectations. The lack of evidence regarding associations with non-modifiable risk factors further reinforces the potential benefits of the procedure on diverse population groups and is useful in itself for assessing the candidacy of patients for the procedure, particularly when postoperative pain is a factor being considered.

Even With a High Retear Rate, Shoulder Capsular Reconstruction Outcomes are Promising, But Are We Seeing an Increase in Strength?

Superior capsular reconstruction was developed to restore patient biomechanics for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears that preclude shoulder arthroplasty. Recent studies have shown excellent short-term clinical outcomes and improved pain and functional scores but high rates of complications including retear, loss of fixation, or incomplete healing. An alternative option, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, is a reliable and safe method to ensure good muscle strength and return to play in this patient group.

Total shoulder arthroplasty in patients aged 80 years and older: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients and their surgeons may eschew shoulder arthroplasty due to concerns over patient safety and longevity. The purpose of this study was to review the current literature evaluating the clinical and radiographic outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty performed in patients 80 years and older.

METHODS

A literature search of the Embase, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies evaluating the outcomes of primary and revision anatomic (aTSA) and reverse (RSA) total shoulder arthroplasty in patients 80 years and older were included for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies evaluating 1685 primary aTSAs, 1170 primary RSAs, 69 RSAs performed for fracture, and 45 revision RSAs were included for review. The postoperative active forward flexion and external rotation ranged from 138° to 150° and 45° to 48° after aTSA and from 83° to 139° and 16° to 47° after RSA, respectively. Postoperative visual analog scale pain scores ranged from 0 to 1.8 after aTSA and from 0 to 1.4 after RSA. Ninety-day mortality ranged from 0% to 3%, and perioperative complications ranged from 0% to 32%. Late complications ranged from 5.6% to 24% for aTSA patients and 3.5% to 29% for patients undergoing RSA for all indications. Common complications included glenoid loosening (0%-18%) and rotator cuff tear (5.6%-10%) after aTSA and scapular notching (0%-40%) and scapular fracture (4%-9.4%) after RSA. Reoperation rates ranged from 0% to 6% after aTSA and from 0% to 13% after RSA.

CONCLUSIONS

aTSA and RSA in this population are safe and effective, demonstrating low rates of perioperative mortality and reoperation, durability that exceeds patient longevity, satisfactory postoperative range of motion, and excellent pain relief. Late complication rates appear to be similar for aTSA and RSA.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients Younger Than 60 Years Old Exhibit Lower Clinically Significant Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) Scores Compared to Older Patients

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in the United States has increased. Patients under 60 years old with failed rotator cuff repairs or degenerative joint disease with glenoid deformity may be candidates for RTSA and contribute to this increase. The single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) score is a reliable post-operative scoring technique when compared with other post-operative measures. This study aimed to compare the effect of age on the likelihood of reaching clinically significant SANE scores following RTSA.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective review was performed with a consecutive series of RTSA from December 2015 to September 2021. Patients were stratified into groups based on their age at the time of operation: (1) less than 60 years old, (2) 60-69 years old, (3) 70-79 years old, and (3) greater than 80 years old. The proportions of patients in all cohorts reaching and surpassing clinically significant thresholds at each visit were determined. Likelihood ratios were determined for each age cohort to compare the likelihood of reaching clinically significant SANE scores.

RESULTS

A total of 292 of 885 (33%) patients had completed survey data over two years and were included in the study. The 70-79-year-old group was 3.152 (p=.035) times more likely to achieve minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and 2.125 (p=.048) times more likely to achieve patient-acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) compared with patients <60 years old. The cohort who was 80+ years old was also 4.867 (p=.045) times more likely to achieve MCID compared to the <60-year-old cohort. The <60 cohort had the lowest proportion of all patient cohorts achieving MCID.

CONCLUSION

A lower proportion of patients younger than 60 years old undergoing RTSA achieved clinically significant post-operative SANE scores. The 70-79-year-old age group was more likely to reach MCID and PASS, and the patients who were 80+ years old were more likely to reach MCID compared to patients younger than 60 years old.

Outcomes of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients over the age of 70: a systematic review

Background

Both anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) reliably improve pain and function for a variety of indications. However, there remain concerns about these procedures among elderly patients due to their general health, the potential for lesser functional gain, and the possible need for revision at an even older age. The purpose of this review is to compare the clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and complications of ATSA and RTSA among patients older than 70 years.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The inclusion criteria were studies with patients older than 70 years who were treated with a primary ATSA or RTSA and clinical results reported at a minimum of 2 years. All indications for primary RTSA except for tumor were included. Outcomes of interest included patient-reported outcomes (PROs), range of motion, patient satisfaction, radiographic changes, complication and revision rates, and implant survival.

Results

A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. At a mean follow-up of 3.4 years for ATSA and 3.1 years for RTSA, there were significant improvements in pain, range of motion, and PROs for both prostheses. Patients who underwent ATSA generally had better motion and functional outcomes compared to those who underwent RTSA, though these comparisons were made across different indications for arthroplasty. The satisfaction rate was 90.9% after ATSA and 90.8% after RTSA. Furthermore, 10.2% of ATSA patients and 9.9% of RTSA patients experienced a surgical complication, whereas 2.3% of ATSA and 2.2% of RTSA patients underwent a revision. Secondary rotator cuff tear was the most common complication after ATSA, occurring in 3.7% of patients, but only 1.1% of patients required revision surgery. Both ATSA and RTSA implant survivorship was reported to range from 93.1% to 98.9% at 5- and 8-year follow-up, respectively. Patient mortality was estimated to be 19.3% with a mean time to death of 6.1 years.

Conclusions

Elderly patients with primary osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff can have predictable pain relief, restoration of functional range of motion, and significant improvement in PROs after ATSA with low complication rates. Secondary rotator cuff failure and revision arthroplasty occur infrequently at early to mid-term follow-up. Although elderly patients who underwent ATSA generally had better functional outcomes compared to those who underwent RTSA for differing indications, patient satisfaction after both procedures were similar.

Does glenohumeral offset affect clinical outcomes in a lateralized reverse total shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) exhibits high rates of success and low complication rates. rTSA has undergone numerous design adaptations over recent years, and lateralization of implant components provides theoretical and biomechanical benefits in stability and range of motion (ROM) as well as decreased rates of notching. However, the magnitude of implant lateralization and its effect on these outcomes is less well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how increasing glenohumeral offset affects outcomes after rTSA, specifically in a lateralized humerus + medialized glenoid implant model.

METHODS

Primary rTSA using a lateralized humeral + medialized glenoid implant model performed at a single academic institution between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) parameters and clinical outcomes including ROM were evaluated both pre- and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were analyzed for measurement of glenohumeral offset, defined as the acromial-tuberosity offset (ATO) distance on the anteroposterior radiograph.

RESULTS

A total of 130 rTSAs were included in the analysis, with a mean follow-up of 35 mo. The mean postoperative absolute ATO was 16 mm, and the mean delta ATO (difference from pre- to postoperatively) was 4.6 mm further lateralized. Among all study patients, improvements in all ROM parameters and all PROs were observed from pre- to postoperative assessments. When assessing for the effects of lateralization on these outcomes, multivariate analysis failed to reveal a significant effect from the absolute postoperative ATO or the delta ATO on any outcome parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

rTSA using a lateralized humeral + medialized glenoid implant model exhibits excellent clinical outcomes in ROM and PROs. However, the magnitude of lateralization as measured radiographically by the ATO did not significantly affect these outcomes; patients exhibited universally good outcomes irrespective of the degree of offset restoration.

Biodegradable balloon spacer for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears is associated with improved functional outcomes, low revisions, and complications rate at minimum one year follow-up

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of the InSpace balloon spacer with a specific focus on clinical and patient-related parameters, functional scores InSpace durability, and satisfaction in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCT) at minimum one year follow-up.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2018, patients with symptomatic IRCTs were treated with InSpace balloon implantation. Demographic characteristics, concomitant procedures, and patient's reported outcomes (PROMs) were obtained as well as satisfaction rate and willingness to undergo the procedure again. Need for subsequent surgery and conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and time to conversion were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients (mean age of 70 years, range 46-86) who underwent an InSpace (OrthoSpace, Inc., Caesarea, Israel) balloon implantation were included. Mean follow-up was 56 months (median = 49.6, range 16-129 months). Sixteen out of our 29 pseudoparalytic patients (55.2%) exceed 90° of forward flexion post-surgery with mean improvement of 73° (20-150). Patients older than 65 years of age displayed a statistically significant improved ASES score (60.6 to 46.4, P < 0.05). Patients who underwent a subscapularis (SSC) repair demonstrated a superior ASES score (63.4 compared to 50.4, P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current study, spacer implantation is a low-risk, clinically effective treatment for the patients with IRCTs. Patient-specific parameters such as age, BMI, and gender should be considered during patient selection process. SSC tendon tears should be repaired if needed. Improvement in function and symptoms from this procedure may negate or delay the need for RTSA even for some of the pseudoparalytic patients.