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

Purpose

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.

Methods

We 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).

Results

A 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.

Conclusion

Our 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.