BackgroundReverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is offered to young patients with a failed previous arthroplasty or a cuff-deficient shoulder, but the overall results are still uncertain. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to report the midterm outcomes and complications of RSA in patients younger than 65 years.MethodsA search of the MEDLINE and Cochrane electronic databases identified clinical studies reporting the results, at a minimum 2-year follow-up, of patients younger than 65 years treated with an RSA. The methodologic quality was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score by 2 independent reviewers. Complications, reoperations, range of motion, functional scores, and radiologic outcomes were analyzed.ResultsEight articles were included, with a total of 417 patients. The mean age at surgery was 56 years (range, 21-65 years). RSA was used as a primary arthroplasty in 79% of cases and revision of a failed arthroplasty in 21%. In primary cases, the indications were cuff tear arthropathy and/or massive irreparable cuff tear in 72% of cases. The overall complication rate was 17% (range, 7%-38%), with the most common complications being instability (5%) and infection (4%). The reintervention rate was 10% at 4 years, with implant revision in 7% of cases. The mean weighted American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, active forward elevation, and external rotation were 64 points, 121°, and 29°, respectively.ConclusionsRSA provides reliable clinical improvements in patients younger than 65 years with a cuff-deficient shoulder or failed arthroplasty. The complication and revision rates are comparable to those in older patients.
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