Abstract
Background
Both anatomic (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are routinely performed for patients whom desire to continue to work or participate in sports. The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the ability of patients to work and participate in sports based on responses to clinical outcome surveys.
Methods
A retrospective review of 335 patients treated with TSA (179 patients) and RSA (156 patients) who completed questions 9 and 10 on the activity patient self-evaluation portion of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Assessment Form was performed at average 30 months follow-up. Comparisons were made between TSA and RSA for the specific ASES score (rated 0–3) reported for usual work and sport, as well as ASES total score. Sports were subdivided based on those that predominantly use shoulder function.
Results
Patients treated with TSA had a 32% greater ability to participate in sports (average specific ASES score 2.5 vs 1.9, p=0.001), with significantly higher scores for aquatic and sedentary sports (Figure 1). TSA patients demonstrated greater ability to participate in sports requiring shoulder function without difficulty, as 62% reported maximal scores (p=0.001) (Figure 2). TSA patients also demonstrated a 21% greater ability to perform work (average specific ASES score 2.6 vs. 2.1, p=0.001), with significantly higher scores for housework and gardening (Figure 3).
Conclusion
Both TSA and RSA allow for participation in work and sport, with TSA patients reporting better overall ability to participate. For sports involving shoulder function, TSA patients more commonly report maximal ability to participate than RSA patients.
