Comparable outcomes seen with weight-bearing vs non-weight-bearing after reverse shoulder arthroplasty

BOSTON — Patients in a weight-bearing group following reverse shoulder arthroplasty had outcomes and satisfaction similar to those of patients in a non-weight-bearing group, according to results presented at the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Annual Meeting.

“The weight-bearing patients have comparable outcomes and satisfaction with the non-weight-bearing group,” Derek J. Cuff, MD, said in his presentation.

Derek J. Cuff

Cuff and colleagues categorized patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty to either a weight-bearing group (n=21) or a non-weight-bearing group (n=72). Researchers compared American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test score, digital range of motion measurement, radiographs and patient satisfaction rates between the two groups.

Results showed similar results between the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing groups regarding ASES scores, Simple Shoulder Test scores, and range of motion, including forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation. Cuff also noted similar patient satisfaction with 92% of patients in the weight-bearing group and 94% of patients in the non-weight-bearing group reporting satisfaction.

However, Cuff noted a 20% notching rate in the weight-bearing group vs. a 5% notching rate in the non-weight-bearing group. The weight-bearing group also had a 12% humeral loosening rate compared with no humeral loosening in non-weight-bearing patients, according to results. The weight-bearing group had a higher rate of complications at 12% vs. 4% in the non-weight-bearing group, Cuff noted. – by Casey Tingle

Reference:

Cuff DJ, et al. Paper #33. Presented at: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Annual Meeting; Oct. 7-9, 2016; Boston.

Disclosure: Cuff reports he is a paid consultant and paid presenter or speaker for DJ Orthopaedics.