Outcomes of Primary Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 65 Years Old.

PURPOSE

We compare clinical outcomes of primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in patients 65 years old or younger with a matched control group of patients 70 years old or older.

METHODS

Forty-three patients (17 men and 26 women) 65 years old or younger were retrospectively identified. The mean age was 60 years and average follow-up was 4.0 years. The most common surgical indication was rotator cuff arthropathy. Patients were sex- and diagnosis-matched to control patients 70 years old or older with a mean follow-up of 4.1 years. Active range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes in the 2 groups were evaluated before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Patients 65 years old or younger had significantly lower preoperative functional scores; preoperative ROM, however, was similar in the 2 groups. Both groups significantly improved in postoperative ROM and functional scores (with no difference in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI]-130, Simple Shoulder Test [SST], University of California-Los Angeles [UCLA], and Constant scores); however, the younger cohort had lower functional scores; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were significantly lower after surgery. The change in ROM and outcome measures before to after surgery was similar between groups. Similar complications and notching rates were seen between the groups at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

An RTSA in patients 65 years old or younger improves ROM comparably with patients 70 years old or older. Younger patients have lower functional scores before and after surgery. An RTSA in younger patients improves pain and function but is associated with worse perceived outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY AND LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic III.