Return to Sports After Primary Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Outcomes at Mean 4-Year Follow-up.

backgroundWith the expanding use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to treat various shoulder conditions, there has been a rise in the number of RSAs performed, especially in physically active patients. Limited information regarding sports after RSA is available to properly counsel patients on postoperative expectations. PURPOSE: To assess the rate of return to sports as well as the ability to return to the same level of preoperative intensity, frequency, and duration of sport after primary RSA. STUDY

designCase series; Level of evidence, 4.

methodsThis was a retrospective review of patients who underwent primary RSA at our institution between 2014 and 2016. Shoulder motion, Subjective Shoulder Value score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, pre- and postoperative sports activities, and barriers to return to sport were assessed in 109 patients after RSA (93 patients with unilateral RSA and 16 patients with bilateral RSA). The mean age at the time of surgery was 70 years (range, 34-86 years), with a mean follow-up of 3.9 years (range, 2-12 years).

resultsThe mean rate of return to sports was 70.1% (range, 0%-100%). There was no difference in return to sports between those with uni- and bilateral RSA (

conclusionPatients who had undergone primary uni- or bilateral RSA reported a 70.1% rate of return to sports with maintenance of the same level of intensity, duration, and frequency of preoperative sport participation. Rates of return to high-demand sports were lower than low- and medium-demand sports. Patients also had difficulty returning to overhead sports.