Is it worth the risk? Clinical and radiographic outcomes 24 months after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in an advanced geriatric population

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

“…Twenty studies reported the outcomes of RTSA with 8 studies focused solely on acute PHF. 6 , 10 , 13 , 17 , 20 , 25 , 34 , 35 Of the other 12 RTSA studies, 7 had varied diagnoses, 2 , 4 , 11 , 14 , 26 , 27 , 39 whereas 2 studies included only glenohumeral OA 28 , 46 and 3 studies included only rotator cuff arthropathy. 32 , 36 , 44 Seven studies compared the outcomes of ATSA to RTSA.…”

Outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty secondary to rotator cuff arthropathy in a low-income population

“…Besides causing pain, the functional limitation of the shoulder severely impairs balance and the ability to perform daily tasks, including personal hygiene. Notwithstanding, most are elderly patients, which makes the situation even more cumbersome [ 4 ]. Joint replacement is an expensive procedure, particularly in developing regions where other treatments may take precedence.…”

“…Although life expectancy can be lower among low-income individuals in developing regions, the number of elderly people is expected to increase in the near future [ 6 ]. Being autonomous, particularly for patients with limited economic resources, is highly important, as they cannot afford caregivers, and access to public services for assistance with daily life activities is often challenging [ 4 , 23 ]. We have previously shown, in a similar cohort, that surgical repair of patients with a RCT in our hands proved effective.…”

“…The diagnosis of RCA is primarily based on the presence of an irreparable rotator cuff tear (RCT) associated with degenerative changes in the glenohumeral joint and superior migration of the humeral head [ 2 , 3 ]. The major objectives following RSA for RCA are pain relief and improvement in shoulder function, aiming to facilitate the return of patients to their daily life activities, thus limiting dependence on caregivers [ 4 ]. A remarkable increase in the number of RSA procedures has been seen in recent years, which is projected to continue in the near future [ 5 ].…”

“…We have also previously commented that shortage of facilities for non-pharmacological treatments, including physiotherapy, negatively impact the quality of care provided to patients with rheumatic diseases in Brazil [ 6 ]. Furthermore, a recent study conducted in Germany and Switzerland emphasized that shoulder arthroplasty may facilitate rapid return to daily life activities including hygiene needs in elderly patients [ 4 ]. Therefore, delay in diagnosis, limitation of surgical access and absence of adequate physiotherapy could impact surgical outcomes in low-income patients.…”