Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Indications and Techniques Across the World

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ABSTRACT

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common treatment for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. We performed a systematic review of all the RTSA literature to answer if we are treating the same patients with RTSA, across the world.

A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews, and performed with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using 3 publicly available free databases. Therapeutic clinical outcome investigations reporting RTSA outcomes with levels of evidence I to IV were eligible for inclusion. All study, subject, and surgical technique demographics were analyzed and compared between continents. Statistical comparisons were conducted using linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's chi-square test.

There were 103 studies included in the analysis (8973 patients; 62% female; mean age, 70.9 ± 6.7 years; mean length of follow-up, 34.3 ± 19.3 months) that had a low Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) (mean, 36.9 ± 8.7: poor). Most patients (60.8%) underwent RTSA for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy, whereas 1% underwent RTSA for fracture; indications varied by continent. There were no consistent reports of preopeartive or postoperative scores from studies in any region. Studies from North America reported significantly higher postoperative external rotation (34.1° ± 13.3° vs 19.3° ± 8.9°) (P < .001) and a greater change in flexion (69.0° ± 24.5° vs 56.3° ± 11.3°) (P = .004) compared with studies from Europe. North America had the greatest total number of publications followed by Europe. The total yearly number of publications increased each year (P < .001), whereas the MCMS decreased each year (P = .037).

The quantity, but not the quality of RTSA studies is increasing. Indications for RTSA varied by continent, although most patients underwent RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy. The majority of patients undergoing RTSA are female over the age of 60 years for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy with pseudoparalysis.

Continue to: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty...

 

 

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common procedure with indications including rotator cuff tear arthropathy, proximal humerus fractures, and others.1,2 Studies have shown excellent, reliable, short- and mid-term outcomes in patients treated with RTSA for various indications.3-5 Al-Hadithy and colleagues6 reviewed 41 patients who underwent RTSA for pseudoparalysis secondary to rotator cuff tear arthropathy and, at a mean follow-up of 5 years, found significant improvements in range of motion (ROM) as well as age-adjusted Constant and Oxford Outcome scores. Similarly, Ross and colleagues7 evaluated outcomes of RTSA in 28 patients in whom RTSA was performed for 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures, and found both good clinical and radiographic outcomes with no revision surgeries at a mean follow-up of 54.9 months. RTSA is performed across the world, with specific implant designs, specifically humeral head inclination, but is more common in some areas when compared with others.3,8,9

The number of RTSAs performed has steadily increased over the past 20 years, with recent estimates of approximately 20,000 RTSAs performed in the United States in 2011.10,11 However, there is little information about the similarities and differences between those patients undergoing RTSA in various parts of the world regarding surgical indications, patient demographics, and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the RTSA body of literature to both identify and compare characteristics of studies published (level of evidence, whether a conflict of interest existed), patients analyzed (age, gender), and surgical indications performed across both continents and countries. Essentially, the study aims to answer the question, "Across the world, are we treating the same patients?" The authors hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in RTSA publications, subjects, and indications based on both the continent and country of publication.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using a PRISMA checklist.12 A systematic review registration was performed using PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42014010578).13Two reviewers independently conducted the search on March 25, 2014, using the following databases: Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SportDiscus, and CINAHL. The electronic search citation algorithm utilized was: (((((reverse[Title/Abstract]) AND shoulder[Title/Abstract]) AND arthroplasty[Title/Abstract]) NOT arthroscopic[Title/Abstract]) NOT cadaver[Title/Abstract]) NOT biomechanical[Title/Abstract]. English language Level I to IV evidence (2011 update by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine14) clinical studies were eligible. Medical conference abstracts were ineligible for inclusion. All references within included studies were cross-referenced for inclusion if missed by the initial search with any additionally located studies screened for inclusion. Duplicate subject publications within separate unique studies were not reported twice, but rather the study with longer duration follow-up or, if follow-up was equal, the study with the greater number of patients was included. Level V evidence reviews, letters to the editor, basic science, biomechanical and cadaver studies, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) papers, arthroscopic shoulder surgery papers, imaging, surgical techniques, and classification studies were excluded.

A total of 255 studies were identified, and, after implementation of the exclusion criteria, 103 studies were included in the final analysis (Figure 1). Subjects of interest in this systematic review underwent RTSA for one of many indications including rotator cuff tear arthropathy, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, instability, revision from a previous RTSA for instability, infection, acute proximal humerus fracture, revision from a prior proximal humerus fracture, revision from a prior hemiarthroplasty, revision from a prior TSA, osteonecrosis, pseudoparalysis, tumor, and a locked shoulder dislocation. There was no minimum follow-up or rehabilitation requirement. Study and subject demographic parameters analyzed included year of publication, years of subject enrollment, presence of study financial conflict of interest, number of subjects and shoulders, gender, age, body mass index, diagnoses treated, and surgical positioning. Clinical outcome scores sought were the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), SPADI (Shoulder Pain And Disability Index), Absolute Constant, ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Score), KSS (Korean Shoulder Score), SST-12 (Simple Shoulder Test), SF-12 (12-item Short Form), SF-36 (36-item Short Form), SSV (Subjective Shoulder Value), EQ-5D (EuroQol-5 Dimension), SANE (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation), Rowe Score for Instability, Oxford Instability Score, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) activity score, Penn Shoulder Score, and VAS (visual analog scale). In addition, ROM (forward elevation, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation) was analyzed. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging data were extracted when available. The methodological quality of the study was evaluated using the MCMS (Modified Coleman Methodology Score).15

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

First, the number of publications per year, level of evidence, and Modified Coleman Methodology Score were tested for association with the calendar year using linear regression. Second, demographic data were tested for association with the continent using Pearson’s chi-square test or ANOVA. Third, indications were tested for association with the continent using Fisher’s exact test. Finally, clinical outcome scores and ROM were tested for association with the continent using ANOVA. Statistical significance was extracted from studies when available. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05.

Continue to: RESULTS...

 

 

RESULTS

There were 103 studies included in the analysis (Figure 1). A total of 8973 patients were included, 62% of whom were female with a mean age of 70.9 ± 6.7 years (Table 1). The average follow-up was 34.3 ± 19.3 months. North America had the overall greatest total number of publications on RTSA, followed by Europe (Figure 2). The total yearly number of publications increased by a mean of 1.95 publications each year (P < .001). There was no association between the mean level of evidence with the year of publication (P = .296) (Figure 3). Overall, the rating of studies was poor for the MCMS (mean 36.9 ± 8.7). The MCMS decreased each year by a mean of 0.76 points (P = .037) (Figure 4).

Table 1. Demographic Data by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

P-value

Number of studies

52

43

4

4

103

-

Number of subjects

6158

2609

51

155

8973

-

Level of evidence

 

 

 

 

 

0.693

    II

5 (10%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

8 (8%)

 

    III

10 (19%)

4 (9%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

15 (15%)

 

    IV

37 (71%)

36 (84%)

4 (100%)

3 (75%)

80 (78%)

 

Mean MCMS

34.6 ± 8.4

40.2 ± 8.0

32.5 12.4

34.5 ± 6.6

36.9 ± 8.7

0.010

Institutional collaboration

 

 

 

 

 

1.000

    Multi-center

7 (14%)

6 (14%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

13 (13%)

 

    Single-center

45 (86%)

37 (86%)

4 (100%)

4 (100%)

90 (87%)

 

Financial conflict of interest

 

 

 

 

 

0.005

    Present

28 (54%)

15 (35%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

43 (42%)

 

    Not present

19 (37%)

16 (37%)

4 (100%)

4 (100%)

43 (42%)

 

    Not reported

5 (10%)

12 (28%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

17 (17%)

 

Sex

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

    Male

2157 (38%)

1026 (39%)

13 (25%)

61 (39%)

3257 (38%)

 

    Female

3520 (62%)

1622 (61%)

38 (75%)

94 (61%)

5274 (62%)

 

Mean age (years)

71.3 ± 5.6

70.1 ± 7.9

68.1 ± 5.3

76.9 ± 3.0

70.9 ± 6.7

0.191

Minimum age (mean across studies)

56.9 ± 12.8

52.8 ± 15.7

62.8 ± 6.2

68.0 ± 12.1

55.6 ± 14.3

0.160

Maximum age (mean across studies)

82.1 ± 8.6

83.0 ± 5.5

73.0 ± 9.4

85.0 ± 7.9

82.2 ± 7.6

0.079

Mean length of follow-up (months)

26.5 ± 13.7

43.1 ± 21.7

29.4 ± 7.9

34.2 ± 16.6

34.3 ± 19.3

<0.001

Prosthesis type

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

    Cemented

988 (89%)

969 (72%)

0 (0%)

8 (16%)

1965 (78%)

 

    Press fit

120 (11%)

379 (28%)

0 (0%)

41 (84%)

540 (22%)

 

Abbreviations: MCMS, Modified Coleman Methodology Score; N/A, not available.

 

In studies that reported press-fit vs cemented prostheses, the highest percentage of press-fit prostheses compared with cemented prostheses was seen in Australia (84% press-fit), whereas the highest percentage of cemented prostheses was seen in North America (89% cemented). A higher percentage of studies from North America had a financial conflict of interest (COI) than did those from other countries (54% had a COI).

Continue to: Rotator cuff tear arthropathy...

 

 

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy was the most common indication for RTSA overall in 5459 patients, followed by pseudoparalysis in 1352 patients (Tables 2 and 3). While studies in North America reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the indication for RTSA in 4418 (75.8%) patients, and pseudoparalysis as the next most common indication in 535 (9.2%) patients, studies from Europe reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the indication in 895 (33.5%) patients, and pseudoparalysis as the indication in 795 (29.7%) patients. Studies from Asia also had a relatively even split between rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis (45.3% vs 37.8%), whereas those from Australia were mostly rotator cuff tear arthropathy (77.7%).

Table 2. Number (Percent) of Studies With Each Indication by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

P-value

Rotator cuff arthropathy

29 (56%)

19 (44%)

3 (75%)

3 (75%)

54 (52%)

0.390

Osteoarthritis

4 (8%)

10 (23%)

1 (25%)

1 (25%)

16 (16%)

0.072

Rheumatoid arthritis

9 (17%)

10 (23%)

0 (0%)

2 (50%)

21 (20%)

0.278

Post-traumatic arthritis

3 (6%)

5 (12%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

9 (9%)

0.358

Instability

6 (12%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

10 (10%)

0.450

Revision of previous RTSA for instability

5 (10%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

7 (7%)

0.192

Infection

4 (8%)

1 (2%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

6 (6%)

0.207

Unclassified acute proximal humerus fracture

9 (17%)

5 (12%)

1 (25%)

1 (25%)

16  (16%)

0.443

Acute 2-part proximal humerus fracture

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

N/A

Acute 3-part proximal humerus fracture

2 (4%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (2%)

0.574

Acute 4-part proximal humerus fracture

5 (10%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

5 (5%)

0.183

Acute 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fracture

6 (12%)

2 (5%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

8 (8%)

0.635

Revised from previous nonop proximal humerus fracture

7 (13%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

10 (10%)

0.787

Revised from ORIF

1 (2%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (2%)

1.000

Revised from CRPP

0 (0%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (1%)

0.495

Revised from hemi

8 (15%)

4 (9%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

13 (13%)

0.528

Revised from TSA

15 (29%)

11 (26%)

0 (0%)

2 (50%)

28 (27%)

0.492

Osteonecrosis

4 (8%)

2 (5%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

7 (7%)

0.401

Pseudoparalysis irreparable tear without arthritis

20 (38%)

18 (42%)

2 (50%)

1 (25%)

41 (40%)

0.919

Bone tumors

0 (0%)

4 (9.3%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

4 (4%)

0.120

Locked shoulder dislocation

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

1 (1%)

0.078

Abbreviations: CRPP, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; ORIF, open reduction internal fixation; RTSA, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; TSA, total shoulder arthroplasty.

 

Table 3. Number of Patients With Each Indication as Reported by Individual Studies by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

Rotator cuff arthropathy

4418

895

24

122

5459

Osteoarthritis

90

251

1

14

356

Rheumatoid arthritis

59

87

0

2

148

Post-traumatic arthritis

62

136

0

1

199

Instability

23

15

0

1

39

Revision of previous RTSA for instability

29

2

0

1

32

Infection

28

11

2

0

41

Unclassified acute proximal humerus fracture

42

30

4

8

84

Acute 3-part proximal humerus fracture

60

0

0

0

6

Acute 4-part proximal humerus fracture

42

0

0

0

42

Acute 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fracture

92

46

0

0

138

Revised from previous nonop proximal humerus fracture

43

53

0

0

96

Revised from ORIF

3

9

0

0

12

Revised from CRPP

0

3

0

0

3

Revised from hemi

105

51

0

1

157

Revised from TSA

192

246

0

5

443

Osteonecrosis

9

6

1

0

16

Pseudoparalysis irreparable tear without arthritis

535

795

20

2

1352

Bone tumors

0

38

0

0

38

Locked shoulder dislocation

0

0

1

0

1

Abbreviations: CRPP, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; ORIF, open reduction internal fixation; RTSA, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; TSA, total shoulder arthroplasty.

 

The ASES, SST-12, and VAS scores were the most frequently reported outcome scores in studies from North America, whereas the Absolute Constant score was the most common score reported in studies from Europe (Table 4). Studies from North America reported significantly higher postoperative external rotation (34.1° ± 13.3° vs 19.3° ± 8.9°) (P < .001) and a greater change in flexion (69.0° ± 24.5° vs 56.3° +/- 11.3°) (P = .004) compared with studies from Europe (Table 5).

Table 4. Outcomes by Continent

Metric (number of studies)

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

P-value

DASH

1

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

54.0

62.0 ± 8.5

-

-

0.582

    Postoperative

24.0

32.0 ± 2.8

-

-

0.260

    Change

-30.0

-30.0 ± 11.3

-

-

1.000

SPADI

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

80.0 ± 4.2

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

34.8 ± 1.1

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

-45.3 ± 3.2

-

-

-

N/A

Absolute constant

2

27

0

1

 

    Preopeartive

33.0 ± 0.0

28.2 ± 7.1

-

20.0

0.329

    Postoperative

54.5 ± 7.8

62.9 ± 9.0

-

65.0

0.432

    Change

+21.5 ± 7.8

+34.7 ± 8.0

-

+45.0

0.044

ASES

13

0

2

0

 

    Preoperative

33.2 ± 5.4

-

32.5 ± 3.5

-

0.867

    Postoperative

73.9 ± 6.8

-

75.7 ± 10.8

-

0.752

    Change

+40.7 ± 6.5

-

+43.2 ± 14.4

-

0.670

UCLA

3

2

1

0

 

    Preoperative

10.1 ± 3.4

11.2 ± 5.7

12.0

-

0.925

    Postoperative

24.5 ± 3.1

24.3 ± 3.7

24.0

-

0.991

    Change

+14.4 ± 1.6

+13.1 ± 2.0

+12.0

-

0.524

KSS

0

0

2

0

 

    Preopeartive

-

-

38.2 ± 1.1

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

-

72.3 ± 6.0

-

N/A

    Change

-

-

+34.1 ± 7.1

-

N/A

SST-12

12

1

0

0

 

    Preoperative

1.9 ± 0.8

1.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

7.1 ± 1.5

5.6

-

-

N/A

    Change

+5.3 ± 1.2

+4.4

-

-

N/A

SF-12

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

34.5

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

38.5

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+4.0

-

-

-

N/A

SSV

0

5

0

0

 

    Preopeartive

-

22.0 ± 7.4

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

63.4 ± 7.9

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

+41.4 ± 2.1

-

-

N/A

EQ-5D

0

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

0.5 ± 0.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

0.8 ± 0.1

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

+0.3 ± 0.1

-

-

N/A

OOS

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

24.7

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

14.9

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

-9.9

-

-

-

N/A

Rowe

0

1

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

50.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

82.1

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

31.9

-

-

N/A

Oxford

0

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

119.9 ± 138.8

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

39.9 ± 3.3

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

-80.6 ± 142.2

-

-

N/A

Penn

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

24.9

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

66.4

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+41.5

-

-

-

N/A

VAS

10

1

1

1

 

    Preoperative

6.6 ± 0.8

7.0

8.4

7.0

N/A

    Postoperative

2.0 ± 0.7

1.0

0.8

0.8

N/A

    Change

-4.6 ± 0.8

-6.0

-7.6

-6.2

N/A

SF-36 physical

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

32.7 ± 1.2

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

39.6 ± 4.0

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+7.0 ± 2.8

-

-

-

N/A

SF-36 mental

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

43.6 ± 2.8

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

48.1 ± 1.0

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+4.5 ± 1.8

-

-

-

N/A

Abbreviations: ASES, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score; DASH, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; EQ-5D, EuroQol-5 Dimension; KSS, Korean Shoulder Scoring system; N/A, not available; OOS, Orthopaedic Outcome Score; SF, short form; SPADI, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; SST, Simple Shoulder Test; SSV, Subjective Shoulder Value; UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles; VAS, visual analog scale.

 

Table 5. Shoulder Range of Motion, by Continent

Metric (number of studies)

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

P-value

Flexion

18

22

1

1

 

    Preoperative

57.6 ± 17.9

65.5 ± 17.2

91.0

30.0

0.060

    Postoperative

126.6 ± 14.4

121.8 ± 19.0

133.0

150.0

0.360

    Change

+69.0 ± 24.5

+56.3 ± 11.3

+42.0

120.0

0.004

Abduction

11

12

1

0

 

    Preoperative

53.7 ± 25.0

52.0 ± 19.0

88.0

-

0.311

    Postoperative

109.3 ± 15.1

105.4 ± 19.8

131.0

-

0.386

    Change

55.5 ± 25.5

53.3 ± 8.3

43.0

-

0.804

External rotation

17

19

0

0

 

    Preoperative

19.4 ± 9.9

11.2 ± 6.1

-

-

0.005

    Postoperative

34.1 ± 13.3

19.3 ± 8.9

-

-

<0.001

    Change

+14.7 ± 13.2

+8.1 ± 8.5

-

-

0.079

Continue to: DISCUSSION...

 

 

DISCUSSION

RTSA is a common procedure performed in many different areas of the world for a variety of indications. The study hypotheses were partially confirmed, as there were no significant differences seen in the characteristics of the studies published and patients analyzed; although, the majority of studies from North America reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the primary indication for RTSA, whereas studies from Europe were split between rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis as the primary indication. Hence, based on the current literature the study proved that we are treating the same patients. Despite this finding, we may be treating them for different reasons with an RTSA.

RTSA has become a standard procedure in the United States, with >20,000 RTSAs performed in 2011.10 This number will continue to increase as it has over the past 20 years given the aging population in the United States, as well as the expanding indications for RTSA.11 Indications of RTSA have become broad, although the main indication remains as rotator cuff tear arthropathy (>60% of all patients included in this study), and pseudoparalysis (>15% of all patients included in this study). Results for RTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis have been encouraging.16,17 Frankle and colleagues16 evaluated 60 patients who underwent RTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy at a minimum of 2 years follow-up (average, 33 months). The authors found significant improvements in all measured clinical outcome variables (P < .0001) (ASES, mean function score, mean pain score, and VAS) as well as ROM, specifically forward flexion increased from 55° to 105.1°, and abduction increased from 41.4° to 101.8°. Similarly, Werner and colleagues17 evaluated 58 consecutive patients who underwent RTSA for pseudoparalysis secondary to irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction at a mean follow-up of 38 months. Overall, significant improvements (P < .0001) were seen in the SSV score, relative Constant score, and Constant score for pain, active anterior elevation (42° to 100° following RTSA), and active abduction (43° to 90° following RTSA).

It is essential to understand the similarities and differences between patients undergoing RTSA in different parts of the world so the literature from various countries can be compared between regions, and conclusions extrapolated to the correct patients. For example, an interesting finding in this study is that the majority of patients in North America have their prosthesis cemented whereas the majority of patients in Australia have their prosthesis press-fit. While the patients each continent is treating are not significantly different (mostly older women), the difference in surgical technique could have implications in long- or short-term functional outcomes. Prior studies have shown no difference in axial micromotion between cemented and press-fit humeral components, but the clinical implications surrounding this are not well defined.18 Small series comparing cementless to cemented humeral prosthesis in RTSA have found no significant differences in clinical outcomes or postoperative ROM, but larger series are necessary to validate these outcomes.19 However, studies have shown lower rates of postoperative infections in patients who receive antibiotic-loaded cement compared with those who receive plain bone cement following RTSA.20

Similarly, as the vast majority of patients in North America had an RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy (75.8%) whereas those from Europe had RTSA almost equally for rotator cuff arthropathy (33.5%) and pseudoparalysis (29.7%), one must ensure similar patient populations before attempting to extrapolate results of a study from a different country to patients in other areas. Fortunately, the clinical results following RTSA for either indication have been good.6,21,22

One final point to consider is the cost effectiveness of the implant. Recent evidence has shown that RTSA is associated with a higher risk for in-hospital death, multiple perioperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, and increased hospital cost when compared with TSA.23 This data may be biased as the patient selection for RTSA varies from that of TSA, but it is a point that must be considered. Other studies have shown that an RTSA is a cost-effective treatment option for treating patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and is a more cost-effective option in treating rotator cuff tear arthropathy than hemiarthroplasty.24,25 Similarly, RTSA offers a more cost-effective treatment option with better outcomes for patients with acute proximal humerus fractures when compared with open reduction internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty.26 However, TSA is a more cost-effective treatment option than RTSA for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.27 With changing reimbursement in healthcare, surgeons must scrutinize not only anticipated outcomes with specific implants but the cost effectiveness of these implants as well. Further cost analysis studies are necessary to determine the ideal candidate for an RTSA.

LIMITATIONS

Despite its extensive review of the literature, this study had several limitations. While 2 independent authors searched for studies, it is possible that some studies were missed during the search process, introducing possible selection bias. No abstracts or unpublished works were included which could have introduced publication bias. Several studies did not report all variables the authors examined, and this could have skewed some of the results since the reporting of additional variables could have altered the data to show significant differences in some measured variables. As outcome measures for various pathologies were not compared, conclusions cannot be drawn on the best treatment option for various indications. As case reports were included, this could have lowered both the MCMS as well as the average in studies reporting outcomes. Furthermore, given the overall poor quality of the underlying data available for this study, the validity/generalizability of the results could be limited as the level of evidence of this systematic review is only as high as the studies it includes. There are subtle differences between rotator cuff arthropathy and pseudoparalysis, and some studies may have classified patients differently than others, causing differences in indications. Finally, as the primary goal of this study was to report on demographics, no evaluation of concomitant pathology at the time of surgery or rehabilitation protocols was performed.

CONCLUSION

The quantity, but not the quality of RTSA studies is increasing. Indications for RTSA varied by continent although most patients underwent RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy. The majority of patients undergoing RTSA are female over the age of 60 years for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy with pseudoparalysis.

This paper will be judged for the Resident Writer’s Award.

References

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19. Wiater JM, Moravek JE Jr, Budge MD, Koueiter DM, Marcantonio D, Wiater BP. Clinical and radiographic results of cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a comparative study with 2 to 5 years of follow-up. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1208-1214. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.11.032.

20. Nowinski RJ, Gillespie RJ, Shishani Y, Cohen B, Walch G, Gobezie R. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement reduces deep infection rates for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a retrospective, cohort study of 501 shoulders. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(3):324-328. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.08.072.

21. Favard L, Levigne C, Nerot C, Gerber C, De Wilde L, Mole D. Reverse prostheses in arthropathies with cuff tear: are survivorship and function maintained over time? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011;469(9):2469-2475. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-1833-y.

22. Naveed MA, Kitson J, Bunker TD. The Delta III reverse shoulder replacement for cuff tear arthropathy: a single-centre study of 50 consecutive procedures. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2011;93(1):57-61. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.93B1.24218.

23. Ponce BA, Oladeji LO, Rogers ME, Menendez ME. Comparative analysis of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: in-hospital outcomes and costs. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(3):460-467. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.08.016.

24. Coe MP, Greiwe RM, Joshi R, et al. The cost-effectiveness of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with hemiarthroplasty for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(10):1278-1288. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.10.010.

25. Renfree KJ, Hattrup SJ, Chang YH. Cost utility analysis of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2013;22(12):1656-1661. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.08.002.

26. Chalmers PN, Slikker W, 3rd, Mall NA, et al. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fracture: comparison to open reduction-internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(2):197-204. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.07.044.

27. Steen BM, Cabezas AF, Santoni BG, et al. Outcome and value of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis: a matched cohort. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(9):1433-1441. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2015.01.005.

Author and Disclosure Information

Authors’ Disclosure Statement: Dr. Erickson reports that he is a Committee Member for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Dr. Cole reports that he submitted on 07/18/2018; Aesculap/B.Braun, research support; American Journal of Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; American Journal of Sports Medicine, editorial or governing board; Aqua Boom, stock or stock options; Arthrex, Inc, intellectual property (IP) royalties, paid consultant, research support; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; Athletico, other financial or material support; Biomerix, stock or stock options; Cartilage, editorial or governing board; DJ Orthopaedics, IP royalties; Elsevier Publishing, IP royalties; Flexion, paid consultant; Geistlich, research support; Giteliscope, stock or stock options; International Cartilage Repair Society, board or committee member; Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – American, editor only, editorial or governing board; Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, editor only, editorial or governing board; Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, editor only, editorial or governing board; JRF Ortho, other financial or material support; National Institutes of Health (NIAMS and NICHD), research support; Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Ossio, stock or stock options; Regentis, paid consultant, stock or stock options; Sanofi-Aventis, research support; Smith & Nephew, other financial or material support, paid consultant; Tornier, other financial or material support; and Zimmer Biomet, paid consultant, research support. Dr. Verma reports that he is AOSSM, board or committee member; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrex, Inc, paid consultant, research support; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; Arthrosurface, research support; Cymedica, stock or stock options; DJ Orthopaedics, research support; Journal of Knee Surgery, editorial or governing board; Minivasive, paid consultant, stock or stock options; Omeros, stock or stock options; Orthospace, paid consultant; Össur, research support; SLACK Incorporated, editorial or governing board; Smith & Nephew, IP royalties; Smith & Nephew, Athletico, ConMed Linvatec, Miomed, and Mitek, research support; and Vindico Medical-Orthopedics Hyperguide, publishing royalties, financial or material support. Dr. Nicholson reports that he is American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrosurface, paid presenter or speaker; Innomed, IP royalties; Tornier, paid consultant; and Wright Medical Technology, Inc., IP royalties, paid consultant. Dr. Romeo reports that he is American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, other financial or material support; Aesculap/B.Braun, research support; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrex, Inc, IP royalties, other financial or material support, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker, research support; Atreon Orthopaedics, board or committee member; Histogenics, research support; Medipost, research support; Major League Baseball, other financial or material support; NuTech, research support; Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; Orthopedics Today, board or committee member, editorial or governing board; OrthoSpace, research support; SAGE, editorial or governing board; Saunders/Mosby-Elsevier, publishing royalties, financial or material support; SLACK Incorporated, editorial or governing board, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Smith & Nephew, research support; Wolters Kluwer Health-Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, editorial or governing board; and Zimmer Biomet, research support. Dr. Harris reports that he is American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, board or committee member; The American Journal of Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; AOSSM, board or committee member; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; DePuy Synthes, A Johnson & Johnson Company, research support; Frontiers In Surgery, editorial or governing board; NIA Magellan, paid consultant; Össur, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker; SLACK Incorporated, publishing royalties, financial or material support; and Smith & Nephew, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker, research support. Dr. Bohl reports no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Dr. Erickson is an Attending Surgeon, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Division, Rothman Orthopadic Institute, New York, New York. He was a resident at the time the article was written. Dr. Bohl is an Orthopaedic Surgery Resident, Rush University; Dr. Cole, Dr. Verma, and Dr. Nicholson are Orthopaedic Surgery Attendings, Sports Medicine and Shoulder and Elbow and Sports Division, Midwest Orthopaedics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Romeo is the Managing Partner, Division Chief Shoulder & Elbow and Sports Medicine Department, and Attending Surgeon at Rothman Orthopadics Institute, New York, New York. Dr. Harris is an Orthopaedic Surgery Attending, Sports Medicine Department, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.

Address correspondence to: Brandon J. Erickson, MD, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, 658 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591 (tel, 800-321-9999; email, brandon.j.erickson@gmail.com).

Brandon J. Erickson, MD Daniel D. Bohl, MD, MPH Brian J. Cole, MBA, MD Nikhil N. Verma, MD Gregory Nicholson, MD Anthony A. Romeo, MD and Joshua D. Harris, MD . Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Indications and Techniques Across the World. Am J Orthop.

September 26, 2018

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Authors’ Disclosure Statement: Dr. Erickson reports that he is a Committee Member for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Dr. Cole reports that he submitted on 07/18/2018; Aesculap/B.Braun, research support; American Journal of Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; American Journal of Sports Medicine, editorial or governing board; Aqua Boom, stock or stock options; Arthrex, Inc, intellectual property (IP) royalties, paid consultant, research support; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; Athletico, other financial or material support; Biomerix, stock or stock options; Cartilage, editorial or governing board; DJ Orthopaedics, IP royalties; Elsevier Publishing, IP royalties; Flexion, paid consultant; Geistlich, research support; Giteliscope, stock or stock options; International Cartilage Repair Society, board or committee member; Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – American, editor only, editorial or governing board; Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, editor only, editorial or governing board; Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, editor only, editorial or governing board; JRF Ortho, other financial or material support; National Institutes of Health (NIAMS and NICHD), research support; Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Ossio, stock or stock options; Regentis, paid consultant, stock or stock options; Sanofi-Aventis, research support; Smith & Nephew, other financial or material support, paid consultant; Tornier, other financial or material support; and Zimmer Biomet, paid consultant, research support. Dr. Verma reports that he is AOSSM, board or committee member; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrex, Inc, paid consultant, research support; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; Arthrosurface, research support; Cymedica, stock or stock options; DJ Orthopaedics, research support; Journal of Knee Surgery, editorial or governing board; Minivasive, paid consultant, stock or stock options; Omeros, stock or stock options; Orthospace, paid consultant; Össur, research support; SLACK Incorporated, editorial or governing board; Smith & Nephew, IP royalties; Smith & Nephew, Athletico, ConMed Linvatec, Miomed, and Mitek, research support; and Vindico Medical-Orthopedics Hyperguide, publishing royalties, financial or material support. Dr. Nicholson reports that he is American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrosurface, paid presenter or speaker; Innomed, IP royalties; Tornier, paid consultant; and Wright Medical Technology, Inc., IP royalties, paid consultant. Dr. Romeo reports that he is American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, other financial or material support; Aesculap/B.Braun, research support; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrex, Inc, IP royalties, other financial or material support, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker, research support; Atreon Orthopaedics, board or committee member; Histogenics, research support; Medipost, research support; Major League Baseball, other financial or material support; NuTech, research support; Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; Orthopedics Today, board or committee member, editorial or governing board; OrthoSpace, research support; SAGE, editorial or governing board; Saunders/Mosby-Elsevier, publishing royalties, financial or material support; SLACK Incorporated, editorial or governing board, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Smith & Nephew, research support; Wolters Kluwer Health-Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, editorial or governing board; and Zimmer Biomet, research support. Dr. Harris reports that he is American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, board or committee member; The American Journal of Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; AOSSM, board or committee member; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; DePuy Synthes, A Johnson & Johnson Company, research support; Frontiers In Surgery, editorial or governing board; NIA Magellan, paid consultant; Össur, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker; SLACK Incorporated, publishing royalties, financial or material support; and Smith & Nephew, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker, research support. Dr. Bohl reports no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Dr. Erickson is an Attending Surgeon, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Division, Rothman Orthopadic Institute, New York, New York. He was a resident at the time the article was written. Dr. Bohl is an Orthopaedic Surgery Resident, Rush University; Dr. Cole, Dr. Verma, and Dr. Nicholson are Orthopaedic Surgery Attendings, Sports Medicine and Shoulder and Elbow and Sports Division, Midwest Orthopaedics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Romeo is the Managing Partner, Division Chief Shoulder & Elbow and Sports Medicine Department, and Attending Surgeon at Rothman Orthopadics Institute, New York, New York. Dr. Harris is an Orthopaedic Surgery Attending, Sports Medicine Department, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.

Address correspondence to: Brandon J. Erickson, MD, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, 658 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591 (tel, 800-321-9999; email, brandon.j.erickson@gmail.com).

Brandon J. Erickson, MD Daniel D. Bohl, MD, MPH Brian J. Cole, MBA, MD Nikhil N. Verma, MD Gregory Nicholson, MD Anthony A. Romeo, MD and Joshua D. Harris, MD . Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Indications and Techniques Across the World. Am J Orthop.

September 26, 2018

Author and Disclosure Information

Authors’ Disclosure Statement: Dr. Erickson reports that he is a Committee Member for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Dr. Cole reports that he submitted on 07/18/2018; Aesculap/B.Braun, research support; American Journal of Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; American Journal of Sports Medicine, editorial or governing board; Aqua Boom, stock or stock options; Arthrex, Inc, intellectual property (IP) royalties, paid consultant, research support; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; Athletico, other financial or material support; Biomerix, stock or stock options; Cartilage, editorial or governing board; DJ Orthopaedics, IP royalties; Elsevier Publishing, IP royalties; Flexion, paid consultant; Geistlich, research support; Giteliscope, stock or stock options; International Cartilage Repair Society, board or committee member; Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – American, editor only, editorial or governing board; Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, editor only, editorial or governing board; Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, editor only, editorial or governing board; JRF Ortho, other financial or material support; National Institutes of Health (NIAMS and NICHD), research support; Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Ossio, stock or stock options; Regentis, paid consultant, stock or stock options; Sanofi-Aventis, research support; Smith & Nephew, other financial or material support, paid consultant; Tornier, other financial or material support; and Zimmer Biomet, paid consultant, research support. Dr. Verma reports that he is AOSSM, board or committee member; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrex, Inc, paid consultant, research support; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; Arthrosurface, research support; Cymedica, stock or stock options; DJ Orthopaedics, research support; Journal of Knee Surgery, editorial or governing board; Minivasive, paid consultant, stock or stock options; Omeros, stock or stock options; Orthospace, paid consultant; Össur, research support; SLACK Incorporated, editorial or governing board; Smith & Nephew, IP royalties; Smith & Nephew, Athletico, ConMed Linvatec, Miomed, and Mitek, research support; and Vindico Medical-Orthopedics Hyperguide, publishing royalties, financial or material support. Dr. Nicholson reports that he is American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrosurface, paid presenter or speaker; Innomed, IP royalties; Tornier, paid consultant; and Wright Medical Technology, Inc., IP royalties, paid consultant. Dr. Romeo reports that he is American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, other financial or material support; Aesculap/B.Braun, research support; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, board or committee member; Arthrex, Inc, IP royalties, other financial or material support, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker, research support; Atreon Orthopaedics, board or committee member; Histogenics, research support; Medipost, research support; Major League Baseball, other financial or material support; NuTech, research support; Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; Orthopedics Today, board or committee member, editorial or governing board; OrthoSpace, research support; SAGE, editorial or governing board; Saunders/Mosby-Elsevier, publishing royalties, financial or material support; SLACK Incorporated, editorial or governing board, publishing royalties, financial or material support; Smith & Nephew, research support; Wolters Kluwer Health-Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, editorial or governing board; and Zimmer Biomet, research support. Dr. Harris reports that he is American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, board or committee member; The American Journal of Orthopedics, editorial or governing board; AOSSM, board or committee member; Arthroscopy, editorial or governing board; Arthroscopy Association of North America, board or committee member; DePuy Synthes, A Johnson & Johnson Company, research support; Frontiers In Surgery, editorial or governing board; NIA Magellan, paid consultant; Össur, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker; SLACK Incorporated, publishing royalties, financial or material support; and Smith & Nephew, paid consultant, paid presenter or speaker, research support. Dr. Bohl reports no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Dr. Erickson is an Attending Surgeon, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Division, Rothman Orthopadic Institute, New York, New York. He was a resident at the time the article was written. Dr. Bohl is an Orthopaedic Surgery Resident, Rush University; Dr. Cole, Dr. Verma, and Dr. Nicholson are Orthopaedic Surgery Attendings, Sports Medicine and Shoulder and Elbow and Sports Division, Midwest Orthopaedics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Romeo is the Managing Partner, Division Chief Shoulder & Elbow and Sports Medicine Department, and Attending Surgeon at Rothman Orthopadics Institute, New York, New York. Dr. Harris is an Orthopaedic Surgery Attending, Sports Medicine Department, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.

Address correspondence to: Brandon J. Erickson, MD, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, 658 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY, 10591 (tel, 800-321-9999; email, brandon.j.erickson@gmail.com).

Brandon J. Erickson, MD Daniel D. Bohl, MD, MPH Brian J. Cole, MBA, MD Nikhil N. Verma, MD Gregory Nicholson, MD Anthony A. Romeo, MD and Joshua D. Harris, MD . Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Indications and Techniques Across the World. Am J Orthop.

September 26, 2018

ABSTRACT

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common treatment for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. We performed a systematic review of all the RTSA literature to answer if we are treating the same patients with RTSA, across the world.

A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews, and performed with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using 3 publicly available free databases. Therapeutic clinical outcome investigations reporting RTSA outcomes with levels of evidence I to IV were eligible for inclusion. All study, subject, and surgical technique demographics were analyzed and compared between continents. Statistical comparisons were conducted using linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's chi-square test.

There were 103 studies included in the analysis (8973 patients; 62% female; mean age, 70.9 ± 6.7 years; mean length of follow-up, 34.3 ± 19.3 months) that had a low Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) (mean, 36.9 ± 8.7: poor). Most patients (60.8%) underwent RTSA for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy, whereas 1% underwent RTSA for fracture; indications varied by continent. There were no consistent reports of preopeartive or postoperative scores from studies in any region. Studies from North America reported significantly higher postoperative external rotation (34.1° ± 13.3° vs 19.3° ± 8.9°) (P < .001) and a greater change in flexion (69.0° ± 24.5° vs 56.3° ± 11.3°) (P = .004) compared with studies from Europe. North America had the greatest total number of publications followed by Europe. The total yearly number of publications increased each year (P < .001), whereas the MCMS decreased each year (P = .037).

The quantity, but not the quality of RTSA studies is increasing. Indications for RTSA varied by continent, although most patients underwent RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy. The majority of patients undergoing RTSA are female over the age of 60 years for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy with pseudoparalysis.

Continue to: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty...

 

 

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common procedure with indications including rotator cuff tear arthropathy, proximal humerus fractures, and others.1,2 Studies have shown excellent, reliable, short- and mid-term outcomes in patients treated with RTSA for various indications.3-5 Al-Hadithy and colleagues6 reviewed 41 patients who underwent RTSA for pseudoparalysis secondary to rotator cuff tear arthropathy and, at a mean follow-up of 5 years, found significant improvements in range of motion (ROM) as well as age-adjusted Constant and Oxford Outcome scores. Similarly, Ross and colleagues7 evaluated outcomes of RTSA in 28 patients in whom RTSA was performed for 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures, and found both good clinical and radiographic outcomes with no revision surgeries at a mean follow-up of 54.9 months. RTSA is performed across the world, with specific implant designs, specifically humeral head inclination, but is more common in some areas when compared with others.3,8,9

The number of RTSAs performed has steadily increased over the past 20 years, with recent estimates of approximately 20,000 RTSAs performed in the United States in 2011.10,11 However, there is little information about the similarities and differences between those patients undergoing RTSA in various parts of the world regarding surgical indications, patient demographics, and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the RTSA body of literature to both identify and compare characteristics of studies published (level of evidence, whether a conflict of interest existed), patients analyzed (age, gender), and surgical indications performed across both continents and countries. Essentially, the study aims to answer the question, "Across the world, are we treating the same patients?" The authors hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in RTSA publications, subjects, and indications based on both the continent and country of publication.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using a PRISMA checklist.12 A systematic review registration was performed using PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42014010578).13Two reviewers independently conducted the search on March 25, 2014, using the following databases: Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SportDiscus, and CINAHL. The electronic search citation algorithm utilized was: (((((reverse[Title/Abstract]) AND shoulder[Title/Abstract]) AND arthroplasty[Title/Abstract]) NOT arthroscopic[Title/Abstract]) NOT cadaver[Title/Abstract]) NOT biomechanical[Title/Abstract]. English language Level I to IV evidence (2011 update by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine14) clinical studies were eligible. Medical conference abstracts were ineligible for inclusion. All references within included studies were cross-referenced for inclusion if missed by the initial search with any additionally located studies screened for inclusion. Duplicate subject publications within separate unique studies were not reported twice, but rather the study with longer duration follow-up or, if follow-up was equal, the study with the greater number of patients was included. Level V evidence reviews, letters to the editor, basic science, biomechanical and cadaver studies, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) papers, arthroscopic shoulder surgery papers, imaging, surgical techniques, and classification studies were excluded.

A total of 255 studies were identified, and, after implementation of the exclusion criteria, 103 studies were included in the final analysis (Figure 1). Subjects of interest in this systematic review underwent RTSA for one of many indications including rotator cuff tear arthropathy, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, instability, revision from a previous RTSA for instability, infection, acute proximal humerus fracture, revision from a prior proximal humerus fracture, revision from a prior hemiarthroplasty, revision from a prior TSA, osteonecrosis, pseudoparalysis, tumor, and a locked shoulder dislocation. There was no minimum follow-up or rehabilitation requirement. Study and subject demographic parameters analyzed included year of publication, years of subject enrollment, presence of study financial conflict of interest, number of subjects and shoulders, gender, age, body mass index, diagnoses treated, and surgical positioning. Clinical outcome scores sought were the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), SPADI (Shoulder Pain And Disability Index), Absolute Constant, ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Score), KSS (Korean Shoulder Score), SST-12 (Simple Shoulder Test), SF-12 (12-item Short Form), SF-36 (36-item Short Form), SSV (Subjective Shoulder Value), EQ-5D (EuroQol-5 Dimension), SANE (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation), Rowe Score for Instability, Oxford Instability Score, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) activity score, Penn Shoulder Score, and VAS (visual analog scale). In addition, ROM (forward elevation, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation) was analyzed. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging data were extracted when available. The methodological quality of the study was evaluated using the MCMS (Modified Coleman Methodology Score).15

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

First, the number of publications per year, level of evidence, and Modified Coleman Methodology Score were tested for association with the calendar year using linear regression. Second, demographic data were tested for association with the continent using Pearson’s chi-square test or ANOVA. Third, indications were tested for association with the continent using Fisher’s exact test. Finally, clinical outcome scores and ROM were tested for association with the continent using ANOVA. Statistical significance was extracted from studies when available. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05.

Continue to: RESULTS...

 

 

RESULTS

There were 103 studies included in the analysis (Figure 1). A total of 8973 patients were included, 62% of whom were female with a mean age of 70.9 ± 6.7 years (Table 1). The average follow-up was 34.3 ± 19.3 months. North America had the overall greatest total number of publications on RTSA, followed by Europe (Figure 2). The total yearly number of publications increased by a mean of 1.95 publications each year (P < .001). There was no association between the mean level of evidence with the year of publication (P = .296) (Figure 3). Overall, the rating of studies was poor for the MCMS (mean 36.9 ± 8.7). The MCMS decreased each year by a mean of 0.76 points (P = .037) (Figure 4).

Table 1. Demographic Data by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

P-value

Number of studies

52

43

4

4

103

-

Number of subjects

6158

2609

51

155

8973

-

Level of evidence

 

 

 

 

 

0.693

    II

5 (10%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

8 (8%)

 

    III

10 (19%)

4 (9%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

15 (15%)

 

    IV

37 (71%)

36 (84%)

4 (100%)

3 (75%)

80 (78%)

 

Mean MCMS

34.6 ± 8.4

40.2 ± 8.0

32.5 12.4

34.5 ± 6.6

36.9 ± 8.7

0.010

Institutional collaboration

 

 

 

 

 

1.000

    Multi-center

7 (14%)

6 (14%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

13 (13%)

 

    Single-center

45 (86%)

37 (86%)

4 (100%)

4 (100%)

90 (87%)

 

Financial conflict of interest

 

 

 

 

 

0.005

    Present

28 (54%)

15 (35%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

43 (42%)

 

    Not present

19 (37%)

16 (37%)

4 (100%)

4 (100%)

43 (42%)

 

    Not reported

5 (10%)

12 (28%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

17 (17%)

 

Sex

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

    Male

2157 (38%)

1026 (39%)

13 (25%)

61 (39%)

3257 (38%)

 

    Female

3520 (62%)

1622 (61%)

38 (75%)

94 (61%)

5274 (62%)

 

Mean age (years)

71.3 ± 5.6

70.1 ± 7.9

68.1 ± 5.3

76.9 ± 3.0

70.9 ± 6.7

0.191

Minimum age (mean across studies)

56.9 ± 12.8

52.8 ± 15.7

62.8 ± 6.2

68.0 ± 12.1

55.6 ± 14.3

0.160

Maximum age (mean across studies)

82.1 ± 8.6

83.0 ± 5.5

73.0 ± 9.4

85.0 ± 7.9

82.2 ± 7.6

0.079

Mean length of follow-up (months)

26.5 ± 13.7

43.1 ± 21.7

29.4 ± 7.9

34.2 ± 16.6

34.3 ± 19.3

<0.001

Prosthesis type

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

    Cemented

988 (89%)

969 (72%)

0 (0%)

8 (16%)

1965 (78%)

 

    Press fit

120 (11%)

379 (28%)

0 (0%)

41 (84%)

540 (22%)

 

Abbreviations: MCMS, Modified Coleman Methodology Score; N/A, not available.

 

In studies that reported press-fit vs cemented prostheses, the highest percentage of press-fit prostheses compared with cemented prostheses was seen in Australia (84% press-fit), whereas the highest percentage of cemented prostheses was seen in North America (89% cemented). A higher percentage of studies from North America had a financial conflict of interest (COI) than did those from other countries (54% had a COI).

Continue to: Rotator cuff tear arthropathy...

 

 

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy was the most common indication for RTSA overall in 5459 patients, followed by pseudoparalysis in 1352 patients (Tables 2 and 3). While studies in North America reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the indication for RTSA in 4418 (75.8%) patients, and pseudoparalysis as the next most common indication in 535 (9.2%) patients, studies from Europe reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the indication in 895 (33.5%) patients, and pseudoparalysis as the indication in 795 (29.7%) patients. Studies from Asia also had a relatively even split between rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis (45.3% vs 37.8%), whereas those from Australia were mostly rotator cuff tear arthropathy (77.7%).

Table 2. Number (Percent) of Studies With Each Indication by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

P-value

Rotator cuff arthropathy

29 (56%)

19 (44%)

3 (75%)

3 (75%)

54 (52%)

0.390

Osteoarthritis

4 (8%)

10 (23%)

1 (25%)

1 (25%)

16 (16%)

0.072

Rheumatoid arthritis

9 (17%)

10 (23%)

0 (0%)

2 (50%)

21 (20%)

0.278

Post-traumatic arthritis

3 (6%)

5 (12%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

9 (9%)

0.358

Instability

6 (12%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

10 (10%)

0.450

Revision of previous RTSA for instability

5 (10%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

7 (7%)

0.192

Infection

4 (8%)

1 (2%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

6 (6%)

0.207

Unclassified acute proximal humerus fracture

9 (17%)

5 (12%)

1 (25%)

1 (25%)

16  (16%)

0.443

Acute 2-part proximal humerus fracture

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

N/A

Acute 3-part proximal humerus fracture

2 (4%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (2%)

0.574

Acute 4-part proximal humerus fracture

5 (10%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

5 (5%)

0.183

Acute 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fracture

6 (12%)

2 (5%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

8 (8%)

0.635

Revised from previous nonop proximal humerus fracture

7 (13%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

10 (10%)

0.787

Revised from ORIF

1 (2%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (2%)

1.000

Revised from CRPP

0 (0%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (1%)

0.495

Revised from hemi

8 (15%)

4 (9%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

13 (13%)

0.528

Revised from TSA

15 (29%)

11 (26%)

0 (0%)

2 (50%)

28 (27%)

0.492

Osteonecrosis

4 (8%)

2 (5%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

7 (7%)

0.401

Pseudoparalysis irreparable tear without arthritis

20 (38%)

18 (42%)

2 (50%)

1 (25%)

41 (40%)

0.919

Bone tumors

0 (0%)

4 (9.3%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

4 (4%)

0.120

Locked shoulder dislocation

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

1 (1%)

0.078

Abbreviations: CRPP, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; ORIF, open reduction internal fixation; RTSA, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; TSA, total shoulder arthroplasty.

 

Table 3. Number of Patients With Each Indication as Reported by Individual Studies by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

Rotator cuff arthropathy

4418

895

24

122

5459

Osteoarthritis

90

251

1

14

356

Rheumatoid arthritis

59

87

0

2

148

Post-traumatic arthritis

62

136

0

1

199

Instability

23

15

0

1

39

Revision of previous RTSA for instability

29

2

0

1

32

Infection

28

11

2

0

41

Unclassified acute proximal humerus fracture

42

30

4

8

84

Acute 3-part proximal humerus fracture

60

0

0

0

6

Acute 4-part proximal humerus fracture

42

0

0

0

42

Acute 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fracture

92

46

0

0

138

Revised from previous nonop proximal humerus fracture

43

53

0

0

96

Revised from ORIF

3

9

0

0

12

Revised from CRPP

0

3

0

0

3

Revised from hemi

105

51

0

1

157

Revised from TSA

192

246

0

5

443

Osteonecrosis

9

6

1

0

16

Pseudoparalysis irreparable tear without arthritis

535

795

20

2

1352

Bone tumors

0

38

0

0

38

Locked shoulder dislocation

0

0

1

0

1

Abbreviations: CRPP, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; ORIF, open reduction internal fixation; RTSA, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; TSA, total shoulder arthroplasty.

 

The ASES, SST-12, and VAS scores were the most frequently reported outcome scores in studies from North America, whereas the Absolute Constant score was the most common score reported in studies from Europe (Table 4). Studies from North America reported significantly higher postoperative external rotation (34.1° ± 13.3° vs 19.3° ± 8.9°) (P < .001) and a greater change in flexion (69.0° ± 24.5° vs 56.3° +/- 11.3°) (P = .004) compared with studies from Europe (Table 5).

Table 4. Outcomes by Continent

Metric (number of studies)

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

P-value

DASH

1

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

54.0

62.0 ± 8.5

-

-

0.582

    Postoperative

24.0

32.0 ± 2.8

-

-

0.260

    Change

-30.0

-30.0 ± 11.3

-

-

1.000

SPADI

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

80.0 ± 4.2

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

34.8 ± 1.1

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

-45.3 ± 3.2

-

-

-

N/A

Absolute constant

2

27

0

1

 

    Preopeartive

33.0 ± 0.0

28.2 ± 7.1

-

20.0

0.329

    Postoperative

54.5 ± 7.8

62.9 ± 9.0

-

65.0

0.432

    Change

+21.5 ± 7.8

+34.7 ± 8.0

-

+45.0

0.044

ASES

13

0

2

0

 

    Preoperative

33.2 ± 5.4

-

32.5 ± 3.5

-

0.867

    Postoperative

73.9 ± 6.8

-

75.7 ± 10.8

-

0.752

    Change

+40.7 ± 6.5

-

+43.2 ± 14.4

-

0.670

UCLA

3

2

1

0

 

    Preoperative

10.1 ± 3.4

11.2 ± 5.7

12.0

-

0.925

    Postoperative

24.5 ± 3.1

24.3 ± 3.7

24.0

-

0.991

    Change

+14.4 ± 1.6

+13.1 ± 2.0

+12.0

-

0.524

KSS

0

0

2

0

 

    Preopeartive

-

-

38.2 ± 1.1

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

-

72.3 ± 6.0

-

N/A

    Change

-

-

+34.1 ± 7.1

-

N/A

SST-12

12

1

0

0

 

    Preoperative

1.9 ± 0.8

1.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

7.1 ± 1.5

5.6

-

-

N/A

    Change

+5.3 ± 1.2

+4.4

-

-

N/A

SF-12

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

34.5

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

38.5

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+4.0

-

-

-

N/A

SSV

0

5

0

0

 

    Preopeartive

-

22.0 ± 7.4

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

63.4 ± 7.9

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

+41.4 ± 2.1

-

-

N/A

EQ-5D

0

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

0.5 ± 0.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

0.8 ± 0.1

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

+0.3 ± 0.1

-

-

N/A

OOS

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

24.7

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

14.9

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

-9.9

-

-

-

N/A

Rowe

0

1

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

50.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

82.1

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

31.9

-

-

N/A

Oxford

0

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

119.9 ± 138.8

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

39.9 ± 3.3

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

-80.6 ± 142.2

-

-

N/A

Penn

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

24.9

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

66.4

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+41.5

-

-

-

N/A

VAS

10

1

1

1

 

    Preoperative

6.6 ± 0.8

7.0

8.4

7.0

N/A

    Postoperative

2.0 ± 0.7

1.0

0.8

0.8

N/A

    Change

-4.6 ± 0.8

-6.0

-7.6

-6.2

N/A

SF-36 physical

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

32.7 ± 1.2

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

39.6 ± 4.0

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+7.0 ± 2.8

-

-

-

N/A

SF-36 mental

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

43.6 ± 2.8

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

48.1 ± 1.0

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+4.5 ± 1.8

-

-

-

N/A

Abbreviations: ASES, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score; DASH, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; EQ-5D, EuroQol-5 Dimension; KSS, Korean Shoulder Scoring system; N/A, not available; OOS, Orthopaedic Outcome Score; SF, short form; SPADI, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; SST, Simple Shoulder Test; SSV, Subjective Shoulder Value; UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles; VAS, visual analog scale.

 

Table 5. Shoulder Range of Motion, by Continent

Metric (number of studies)

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

P-value

Flexion

18

22

1

1

 

    Preoperative

57.6 ± 17.9

65.5 ± 17.2

91.0

30.0

0.060

    Postoperative

126.6 ± 14.4

121.8 ± 19.0

133.0

150.0

0.360

    Change

+69.0 ± 24.5

+56.3 ± 11.3

+42.0

120.0

0.004

Abduction

11

12

1

0

 

    Preoperative

53.7 ± 25.0

52.0 ± 19.0

88.0

-

0.311

    Postoperative

109.3 ± 15.1

105.4 ± 19.8

131.0

-

0.386

    Change

55.5 ± 25.5

53.3 ± 8.3

43.0

-

0.804

External rotation

17

19

0

0

 

    Preoperative

19.4 ± 9.9

11.2 ± 6.1

-

-

0.005

    Postoperative

34.1 ± 13.3

19.3 ± 8.9

-

-

<0.001

    Change

+14.7 ± 13.2

+8.1 ± 8.5

-

-

0.079

Continue to: DISCUSSION...

 

 

DISCUSSION

RTSA is a common procedure performed in many different areas of the world for a variety of indications. The study hypotheses were partially confirmed, as there were no significant differences seen in the characteristics of the studies published and patients analyzed; although, the majority of studies from North America reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the primary indication for RTSA, whereas studies from Europe were split between rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis as the primary indication. Hence, based on the current literature the study proved that we are treating the same patients. Despite this finding, we may be treating them for different reasons with an RTSA.

RTSA has become a standard procedure in the United States, with >20,000 RTSAs performed in 2011.10 This number will continue to increase as it has over the past 20 years given the aging population in the United States, as well as the expanding indications for RTSA.11 Indications of RTSA have become broad, although the main indication remains as rotator cuff tear arthropathy (>60% of all patients included in this study), and pseudoparalysis (>15% of all patients included in this study). Results for RTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis have been encouraging.16,17 Frankle and colleagues16 evaluated 60 patients who underwent RTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy at a minimum of 2 years follow-up (average, 33 months). The authors found significant improvements in all measured clinical outcome variables (P < .0001) (ASES, mean function score, mean pain score, and VAS) as well as ROM, specifically forward flexion increased from 55° to 105.1°, and abduction increased from 41.4° to 101.8°. Similarly, Werner and colleagues17 evaluated 58 consecutive patients who underwent RTSA for pseudoparalysis secondary to irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction at a mean follow-up of 38 months. Overall, significant improvements (P < .0001) were seen in the SSV score, relative Constant score, and Constant score for pain, active anterior elevation (42° to 100° following RTSA), and active abduction (43° to 90° following RTSA).

It is essential to understand the similarities and differences between patients undergoing RTSA in different parts of the world so the literature from various countries can be compared between regions, and conclusions extrapolated to the correct patients. For example, an interesting finding in this study is that the majority of patients in North America have their prosthesis cemented whereas the majority of patients in Australia have their prosthesis press-fit. While the patients each continent is treating are not significantly different (mostly older women), the difference in surgical technique could have implications in long- or short-term functional outcomes. Prior studies have shown no difference in axial micromotion between cemented and press-fit humeral components, but the clinical implications surrounding this are not well defined.18 Small series comparing cementless to cemented humeral prosthesis in RTSA have found no significant differences in clinical outcomes or postoperative ROM, but larger series are necessary to validate these outcomes.19 However, studies have shown lower rates of postoperative infections in patients who receive antibiotic-loaded cement compared with those who receive plain bone cement following RTSA.20

Similarly, as the vast majority of patients in North America had an RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy (75.8%) whereas those from Europe had RTSA almost equally for rotator cuff arthropathy (33.5%) and pseudoparalysis (29.7%), one must ensure similar patient populations before attempting to extrapolate results of a study from a different country to patients in other areas. Fortunately, the clinical results following RTSA for either indication have been good.6,21,22

One final point to consider is the cost effectiveness of the implant. Recent evidence has shown that RTSA is associated with a higher risk for in-hospital death, multiple perioperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, and increased hospital cost when compared with TSA.23 This data may be biased as the patient selection for RTSA varies from that of TSA, but it is a point that must be considered. Other studies have shown that an RTSA is a cost-effective treatment option for treating patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and is a more cost-effective option in treating rotator cuff tear arthropathy than hemiarthroplasty.24,25 Similarly, RTSA offers a more cost-effective treatment option with better outcomes for patients with acute proximal humerus fractures when compared with open reduction internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty.26 However, TSA is a more cost-effective treatment option than RTSA for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.27 With changing reimbursement in healthcare, surgeons must scrutinize not only anticipated outcomes with specific implants but the cost effectiveness of these implants as well. Further cost analysis studies are necessary to determine the ideal candidate for an RTSA.

LIMITATIONS

Despite its extensive review of the literature, this study had several limitations. While 2 independent authors searched for studies, it is possible that some studies were missed during the search process, introducing possible selection bias. No abstracts or unpublished works were included which could have introduced publication bias. Several studies did not report all variables the authors examined, and this could have skewed some of the results since the reporting of additional variables could have altered the data to show significant differences in some measured variables. As outcome measures for various pathologies were not compared, conclusions cannot be drawn on the best treatment option for various indications. As case reports were included, this could have lowered both the MCMS as well as the average in studies reporting outcomes. Furthermore, given the overall poor quality of the underlying data available for this study, the validity/generalizability of the results could be limited as the level of evidence of this systematic review is only as high as the studies it includes. There are subtle differences between rotator cuff arthropathy and pseudoparalysis, and some studies may have classified patients differently than others, causing differences in indications. Finally, as the primary goal of this study was to report on demographics, no evaluation of concomitant pathology at the time of surgery or rehabilitation protocols was performed.

CONCLUSION

The quantity, but not the quality of RTSA studies is increasing. Indications for RTSA varied by continent although most patients underwent RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy. The majority of patients undergoing RTSA are female over the age of 60 years for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy with pseudoparalysis.

This paper will be judged for the Resident Writer’s Award.

ABSTRACT

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common treatment for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. We performed a systematic review of all the RTSA literature to answer if we are treating the same patients with RTSA, across the world.

A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews, and performed with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using 3 publicly available free databases. Therapeutic clinical outcome investigations reporting RTSA outcomes with levels of evidence I to IV were eligible for inclusion. All study, subject, and surgical technique demographics were analyzed and compared between continents. Statistical comparisons were conducted using linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's chi-square test.

There were 103 studies included in the analysis (8973 patients; 62% female; mean age, 70.9 ± 6.7 years; mean length of follow-up, 34.3 ± 19.3 months) that had a low Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) (mean, 36.9 ± 8.7: poor). Most patients (60.8%) underwent RTSA for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy, whereas 1% underwent RTSA for fracture; indications varied by continent. There were no consistent reports of preopeartive or postoperative scores from studies in any region. Studies from North America reported significantly higher postoperative external rotation (34.1° ± 13.3° vs 19.3° ± 8.9°) (P < .001) and a greater change in flexion (69.0° ± 24.5° vs 56.3° ± 11.3°) (P = .004) compared with studies from Europe. North America had the greatest total number of publications followed by Europe. The total yearly number of publications increased each year (P < .001), whereas the MCMS decreased each year (P = .037).

The quantity, but not the quality of RTSA studies is increasing. Indications for RTSA varied by continent, although most patients underwent RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy. The majority of patients undergoing RTSA are female over the age of 60 years for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy with pseudoparalysis.

Continue to: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty...

 

 

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common procedure with indications including rotator cuff tear arthropathy, proximal humerus fractures, and others.1,2 Studies have shown excellent, reliable, short- and mid-term outcomes in patients treated with RTSA for various indications.3-5 Al-Hadithy and colleagues6 reviewed 41 patients who underwent RTSA for pseudoparalysis secondary to rotator cuff tear arthropathy and, at a mean follow-up of 5 years, found significant improvements in range of motion (ROM) as well as age-adjusted Constant and Oxford Outcome scores. Similarly, Ross and colleagues7 evaluated outcomes of RTSA in 28 patients in whom RTSA was performed for 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures, and found both good clinical and radiographic outcomes with no revision surgeries at a mean follow-up of 54.9 months. RTSA is performed across the world, with specific implant designs, specifically humeral head inclination, but is more common in some areas when compared with others.3,8,9

The number of RTSAs performed has steadily increased over the past 20 years, with recent estimates of approximately 20,000 RTSAs performed in the United States in 2011.10,11 However, there is little information about the similarities and differences between those patients undergoing RTSA in various parts of the world regarding surgical indications, patient demographics, and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the RTSA body of literature to both identify and compare characteristics of studies published (level of evidence, whether a conflict of interest existed), patients analyzed (age, gender), and surgical indications performed across both continents and countries. Essentially, the study aims to answer the question, "Across the world, are we treating the same patients?" The authors hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in RTSA publications, subjects, and indications based on both the continent and country of publication.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using a PRISMA checklist.12 A systematic review registration was performed using PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42014010578).13Two reviewers independently conducted the search on March 25, 2014, using the following databases: Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SportDiscus, and CINAHL. The electronic search citation algorithm utilized was: (((((reverse[Title/Abstract]) AND shoulder[Title/Abstract]) AND arthroplasty[Title/Abstract]) NOT arthroscopic[Title/Abstract]) NOT cadaver[Title/Abstract]) NOT biomechanical[Title/Abstract]. English language Level I to IV evidence (2011 update by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine14) clinical studies were eligible. Medical conference abstracts were ineligible for inclusion. All references within included studies were cross-referenced for inclusion if missed by the initial search with any additionally located studies screened for inclusion. Duplicate subject publications within separate unique studies were not reported twice, but rather the study with longer duration follow-up or, if follow-up was equal, the study with the greater number of patients was included. Level V evidence reviews, letters to the editor, basic science, biomechanical and cadaver studies, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) papers, arthroscopic shoulder surgery papers, imaging, surgical techniques, and classification studies were excluded.

A total of 255 studies were identified, and, after implementation of the exclusion criteria, 103 studies were included in the final analysis (Figure 1). Subjects of interest in this systematic review underwent RTSA for one of many indications including rotator cuff tear arthropathy, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, instability, revision from a previous RTSA for instability, infection, acute proximal humerus fracture, revision from a prior proximal humerus fracture, revision from a prior hemiarthroplasty, revision from a prior TSA, osteonecrosis, pseudoparalysis, tumor, and a locked shoulder dislocation. There was no minimum follow-up or rehabilitation requirement. Study and subject demographic parameters analyzed included year of publication, years of subject enrollment, presence of study financial conflict of interest, number of subjects and shoulders, gender, age, body mass index, diagnoses treated, and surgical positioning. Clinical outcome scores sought were the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), SPADI (Shoulder Pain And Disability Index), Absolute Constant, ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Score), KSS (Korean Shoulder Score), SST-12 (Simple Shoulder Test), SF-12 (12-item Short Form), SF-36 (36-item Short Form), SSV (Subjective Shoulder Value), EQ-5D (EuroQol-5 Dimension), SANE (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation), Rowe Score for Instability, Oxford Instability Score, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) activity score, Penn Shoulder Score, and VAS (visual analog scale). In addition, ROM (forward elevation, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation) was analyzed. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging data were extracted when available. The methodological quality of the study was evaluated using the MCMS (Modified Coleman Methodology Score).15

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

First, the number of publications per year, level of evidence, and Modified Coleman Methodology Score were tested for association with the calendar year using linear regression. Second, demographic data were tested for association with the continent using Pearson’s chi-square test or ANOVA. Third, indications were tested for association with the continent using Fisher’s exact test. Finally, clinical outcome scores and ROM were tested for association with the continent using ANOVA. Statistical significance was extracted from studies when available. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05.

Continue to: RESULTS...

 

 

RESULTS

There were 103 studies included in the analysis (Figure 1). A total of 8973 patients were included, 62% of whom were female with a mean age of 70.9 ± 6.7 years (Table 1). The average follow-up was 34.3 ± 19.3 months. North America had the overall greatest total number of publications on RTSA, followed by Europe (Figure 2). The total yearly number of publications increased by a mean of 1.95 publications each year (P < .001). There was no association between the mean level of evidence with the year of publication (P = .296) (Figure 3). Overall, the rating of studies was poor for the MCMS (mean 36.9 ± 8.7). The MCMS decreased each year by a mean of 0.76 points (P = .037) (Figure 4).

Table 1. Demographic Data by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

P-value

Number of studies

52

43

4

4

103

-

Number of subjects

6158

2609

51

155

8973

-

Level of evidence

 

 

 

 

 

0.693

    II

5 (10%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

8 (8%)

 

    III

10 (19%)

4 (9%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

15 (15%)

 

    IV

37 (71%)

36 (84%)

4 (100%)

3 (75%)

80 (78%)

 

Mean MCMS

34.6 ± 8.4

40.2 ± 8.0

32.5 12.4

34.5 ± 6.6

36.9 ± 8.7

0.010

Institutional collaboration

 

 

 

 

 

1.000

    Multi-center

7 (14%)

6 (14%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

13 (13%)

 

    Single-center

45 (86%)

37 (86%)

4 (100%)

4 (100%)

90 (87%)

 

Financial conflict of interest

 

 

 

 

 

0.005

    Present

28 (54%)

15 (35%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

43 (42%)

 

    Not present

19 (37%)

16 (37%)

4 (100%)

4 (100%)

43 (42%)

 

    Not reported

5 (10%)

12 (28%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

17 (17%)

 

Sex

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

    Male

2157 (38%)

1026 (39%)

13 (25%)

61 (39%)

3257 (38%)

 

    Female

3520 (62%)

1622 (61%)

38 (75%)

94 (61%)

5274 (62%)

 

Mean age (years)

71.3 ± 5.6

70.1 ± 7.9

68.1 ± 5.3

76.9 ± 3.0

70.9 ± 6.7

0.191

Minimum age (mean across studies)

56.9 ± 12.8

52.8 ± 15.7

62.8 ± 6.2

68.0 ± 12.1

55.6 ± 14.3

0.160

Maximum age (mean across studies)

82.1 ± 8.6

83.0 ± 5.5

73.0 ± 9.4

85.0 ± 7.9

82.2 ± 7.6

0.079

Mean length of follow-up (months)

26.5 ± 13.7

43.1 ± 21.7

29.4 ± 7.9

34.2 ± 16.6

34.3 ± 19.3

<0.001

Prosthesis type

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

    Cemented

988 (89%)

969 (72%)

0 (0%)

8 (16%)

1965 (78%)

 

    Press fit

120 (11%)

379 (28%)

0 (0%)

41 (84%)

540 (22%)

 

Abbreviations: MCMS, Modified Coleman Methodology Score; N/A, not available.

 

In studies that reported press-fit vs cemented prostheses, the highest percentage of press-fit prostheses compared with cemented prostheses was seen in Australia (84% press-fit), whereas the highest percentage of cemented prostheses was seen in North America (89% cemented). A higher percentage of studies from North America had a financial conflict of interest (COI) than did those from other countries (54% had a COI).

Continue to: Rotator cuff tear arthropathy...

 

 

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy was the most common indication for RTSA overall in 5459 patients, followed by pseudoparalysis in 1352 patients (Tables 2 and 3). While studies in North America reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the indication for RTSA in 4418 (75.8%) patients, and pseudoparalysis as the next most common indication in 535 (9.2%) patients, studies from Europe reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the indication in 895 (33.5%) patients, and pseudoparalysis as the indication in 795 (29.7%) patients. Studies from Asia also had a relatively even split between rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis (45.3% vs 37.8%), whereas those from Australia were mostly rotator cuff tear arthropathy (77.7%).

Table 2. Number (Percent) of Studies With Each Indication by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

P-value

Rotator cuff arthropathy

29 (56%)

19 (44%)

3 (75%)

3 (75%)

54 (52%)

0.390

Osteoarthritis

4 (8%)

10 (23%)

1 (25%)

1 (25%)

16 (16%)

0.072

Rheumatoid arthritis

9 (17%)

10 (23%)

0 (0%)

2 (50%)

21 (20%)

0.278

Post-traumatic arthritis

3 (6%)

5 (12%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

9 (9%)

0.358

Instability

6 (12%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

10 (10%)

0.450

Revision of previous RTSA for instability

5 (10%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

7 (7%)

0.192

Infection

4 (8%)

1 (2%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

6 (6%)

0.207

Unclassified acute proximal humerus fracture

9 (17%)

5 (12%)

1 (25%)

1 (25%)

16  (16%)

0.443

Acute 2-part proximal humerus fracture

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

N/A

Acute 3-part proximal humerus fracture

2 (4%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (2%)

0.574

Acute 4-part proximal humerus fracture

5 (10%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

5 (5%)

0.183

Acute 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fracture

6 (12%)

2 (5%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

8 (8%)

0.635

Revised from previous nonop proximal humerus fracture

7 (13%)

3 (7%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

10 (10%)

0.787

Revised from ORIF

1 (2%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (2%)

1.000

Revised from CRPP

0 (0%)

1 (2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (1%)

0.495

Revised from hemi

8 (15%)

4 (9%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

13 (13%)

0.528

Revised from TSA

15 (29%)

11 (26%)

0 (0%)

2 (50%)

28 (27%)

0.492

Osteonecrosis

4 (8%)

2 (5%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

7 (7%)

0.401

Pseudoparalysis irreparable tear without arthritis

20 (38%)

18 (42%)

2 (50%)

1 (25%)

41 (40%)

0.919

Bone tumors

0 (0%)

4 (9.3%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

4 (4%)

0.120

Locked shoulder dislocation

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

1 (1%)

0.078

Abbreviations: CRPP, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; ORIF, open reduction internal fixation; RTSA, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; TSA, total shoulder arthroplasty.

 

Table 3. Number of Patients With Each Indication as Reported by Individual Studies by Continent

 

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

Total

Rotator cuff arthropathy

4418

895

24

122

5459

Osteoarthritis

90

251

1

14

356

Rheumatoid arthritis

59

87

0

2

148

Post-traumatic arthritis

62

136

0

1

199

Instability

23

15

0

1

39

Revision of previous RTSA for instability

29

2

0

1

32

Infection

28

11

2

0

41

Unclassified acute proximal humerus fracture

42

30

4

8

84

Acute 3-part proximal humerus fracture

60

0

0

0

6

Acute 4-part proximal humerus fracture

42

0

0

0

42

Acute 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fracture

92

46

0

0

138

Revised from previous nonop proximal humerus fracture

43

53

0

0

96

Revised from ORIF

3

9

0

0

12

Revised from CRPP

0

3

0

0

3

Revised from hemi

105

51

0

1

157

Revised from TSA

192

246

0

5

443

Osteonecrosis

9

6

1

0

16

Pseudoparalysis irreparable tear without arthritis

535

795

20

2

1352

Bone tumors

0

38

0

0

38

Locked shoulder dislocation

0

0

1

0

1

Abbreviations: CRPP, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; ORIF, open reduction internal fixation; RTSA, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; TSA, total shoulder arthroplasty.

 

The ASES, SST-12, and VAS scores were the most frequently reported outcome scores in studies from North America, whereas the Absolute Constant score was the most common score reported in studies from Europe (Table 4). Studies from North America reported significantly higher postoperative external rotation (34.1° ± 13.3° vs 19.3° ± 8.9°) (P < .001) and a greater change in flexion (69.0° ± 24.5° vs 56.3° +/- 11.3°) (P = .004) compared with studies from Europe (Table 5).

Table 4. Outcomes by Continent

Metric (number of studies)

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

P-value

DASH

1

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

54.0

62.0 ± 8.5

-

-

0.582

    Postoperative

24.0

32.0 ± 2.8

-

-

0.260

    Change

-30.0

-30.0 ± 11.3

-

-

1.000

SPADI

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

80.0 ± 4.2

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

34.8 ± 1.1

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

-45.3 ± 3.2

-

-

-

N/A

Absolute constant

2

27

0

1

 

    Preopeartive

33.0 ± 0.0

28.2 ± 7.1

-

20.0

0.329

    Postoperative

54.5 ± 7.8

62.9 ± 9.0

-

65.0

0.432

    Change

+21.5 ± 7.8

+34.7 ± 8.0

-

+45.0

0.044

ASES

13

0

2

0

 

    Preoperative

33.2 ± 5.4

-

32.5 ± 3.5

-

0.867

    Postoperative

73.9 ± 6.8

-

75.7 ± 10.8

-

0.752

    Change

+40.7 ± 6.5

-

+43.2 ± 14.4

-

0.670

UCLA

3

2

1

0

 

    Preoperative

10.1 ± 3.4

11.2 ± 5.7

12.0

-

0.925

    Postoperative

24.5 ± 3.1

24.3 ± 3.7

24.0

-

0.991

    Change

+14.4 ± 1.6

+13.1 ± 2.0

+12.0

-

0.524

KSS

0

0

2

0

 

    Preopeartive

-

-

38.2 ± 1.1

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

-

72.3 ± 6.0

-

N/A

    Change

-

-

+34.1 ± 7.1

-

N/A

SST-12

12

1

0

0

 

    Preoperative

1.9 ± 0.8

1.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

7.1 ± 1.5

5.6

-

-

N/A

    Change

+5.3 ± 1.2

+4.4

-

-

N/A

SF-12

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

34.5

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

38.5

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+4.0

-

-

-

N/A

SSV

0

5

0

0

 

    Preopeartive

-

22.0 ± 7.4

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

63.4 ± 7.9

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

+41.4 ± 2.1

-

-

N/A

EQ-5D

0

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

0.5 ± 0.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

0.8 ± 0.1

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

+0.3 ± 0.1

-

-

N/A

OOS

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

24.7

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

14.9

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

-9.9

-

-

-

N/A

Rowe

0

1

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

50.2

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

82.1

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

31.9

-

-

N/A

Oxford

0

2

0

0

 

    Preoperative

-

119.9 ± 138.8

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

-

39.9 ± 3.3

-

-

N/A

    Change

-

-80.6 ± 142.2

-

-

N/A

Penn

1

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

24.9

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

66.4

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+41.5

-

-

-

N/A

VAS

10

1

1

1

 

    Preoperative

6.6 ± 0.8

7.0

8.4

7.0

N/A

    Postoperative

2.0 ± 0.7

1.0

0.8

0.8

N/A

    Change

-4.6 ± 0.8

-6.0

-7.6

-6.2

N/A

SF-36 physical

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

32.7 ± 1.2

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

39.6 ± 4.0

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+7.0 ± 2.8

-

-

-

N/A

SF-36 mental

2

0

0

0

 

    Preoperative

43.6 ± 2.8

-

-

-

N/A

    Postoperative

48.1 ± 1.0

-

-

-

N/A

    Change

+4.5 ± 1.8

-

-

-

N/A

Abbreviations: ASES, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score; DASH, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; EQ-5D, EuroQol-5 Dimension; KSS, Korean Shoulder Scoring system; N/A, not available; OOS, Orthopaedic Outcome Score; SF, short form; SPADI, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; SST, Simple Shoulder Test; SSV, Subjective Shoulder Value; UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles; VAS, visual analog scale.

 

Table 5. Shoulder Range of Motion, by Continent

Metric (number of studies)

North America

Europe

Asia

Australia

P-value

Flexion

18

22

1

1

 

    Preoperative

57.6 ± 17.9

65.5 ± 17.2

91.0

30.0

0.060

    Postoperative

126.6 ± 14.4

121.8 ± 19.0

133.0

150.0

0.360

    Change

+69.0 ± 24.5

+56.3 ± 11.3

+42.0

120.0

0.004

Abduction

11

12

1

0

 

    Preoperative

53.7 ± 25.0

52.0 ± 19.0

88.0

-

0.311

    Postoperative

109.3 ± 15.1

105.4 ± 19.8

131.0

-

0.386

    Change

55.5 ± 25.5

53.3 ± 8.3

43.0

-

0.804

External rotation

17

19

0

0

 

    Preoperative

19.4 ± 9.9

11.2 ± 6.1

-

-

0.005

    Postoperative

34.1 ± 13.3

19.3 ± 8.9

-

-

<0.001

    Change

+14.7 ± 13.2

+8.1 ± 8.5

-

-

0.079

Continue to: DISCUSSION...

 

 

DISCUSSION

RTSA is a common procedure performed in many different areas of the world for a variety of indications. The study hypotheses were partially confirmed, as there were no significant differences seen in the characteristics of the studies published and patients analyzed; although, the majority of studies from North America reported rotator cuff tear arthropathy as the primary indication for RTSA, whereas studies from Europe were split between rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis as the primary indication. Hence, based on the current literature the study proved that we are treating the same patients. Despite this finding, we may be treating them for different reasons with an RTSA.

RTSA has become a standard procedure in the United States, with >20,000 RTSAs performed in 2011.10 This number will continue to increase as it has over the past 20 years given the aging population in the United States, as well as the expanding indications for RTSA.11 Indications of RTSA have become broad, although the main indication remains as rotator cuff tear arthropathy (>60% of all patients included in this study), and pseudoparalysis (>15% of all patients included in this study). Results for RTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis have been encouraging.16,17 Frankle and colleagues16 evaluated 60 patients who underwent RTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy at a minimum of 2 years follow-up (average, 33 months). The authors found significant improvements in all measured clinical outcome variables (P < .0001) (ASES, mean function score, mean pain score, and VAS) as well as ROM, specifically forward flexion increased from 55° to 105.1°, and abduction increased from 41.4° to 101.8°. Similarly, Werner and colleagues17 evaluated 58 consecutive patients who underwent RTSA for pseudoparalysis secondary to irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction at a mean follow-up of 38 months. Overall, significant improvements (P < .0001) were seen in the SSV score, relative Constant score, and Constant score for pain, active anterior elevation (42° to 100° following RTSA), and active abduction (43° to 90° following RTSA).

It is essential to understand the similarities and differences between patients undergoing RTSA in different parts of the world so the literature from various countries can be compared between regions, and conclusions extrapolated to the correct patients. For example, an interesting finding in this study is that the majority of patients in North America have their prosthesis cemented whereas the majority of patients in Australia have their prosthesis press-fit. While the patients each continent is treating are not significantly different (mostly older women), the difference in surgical technique could have implications in long- or short-term functional outcomes. Prior studies have shown no difference in axial micromotion between cemented and press-fit humeral components, but the clinical implications surrounding this are not well defined.18 Small series comparing cementless to cemented humeral prosthesis in RTSA have found no significant differences in clinical outcomes or postoperative ROM, but larger series are necessary to validate these outcomes.19 However, studies have shown lower rates of postoperative infections in patients who receive antibiotic-loaded cement compared with those who receive plain bone cement following RTSA.20

Similarly, as the vast majority of patients in North America had an RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy (75.8%) whereas those from Europe had RTSA almost equally for rotator cuff arthropathy (33.5%) and pseudoparalysis (29.7%), one must ensure similar patient populations before attempting to extrapolate results of a study from a different country to patients in other areas. Fortunately, the clinical results following RTSA for either indication have been good.6,21,22

One final point to consider is the cost effectiveness of the implant. Recent evidence has shown that RTSA is associated with a higher risk for in-hospital death, multiple perioperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, and increased hospital cost when compared with TSA.23 This data may be biased as the patient selection for RTSA varies from that of TSA, but it is a point that must be considered. Other studies have shown that an RTSA is a cost-effective treatment option for treating patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and is a more cost-effective option in treating rotator cuff tear arthropathy than hemiarthroplasty.24,25 Similarly, RTSA offers a more cost-effective treatment option with better outcomes for patients with acute proximal humerus fractures when compared with open reduction internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty.26 However, TSA is a more cost-effective treatment option than RTSA for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.27 With changing reimbursement in healthcare, surgeons must scrutinize not only anticipated outcomes with specific implants but the cost effectiveness of these implants as well. Further cost analysis studies are necessary to determine the ideal candidate for an RTSA.

LIMITATIONS

Despite its extensive review of the literature, this study had several limitations. While 2 independent authors searched for studies, it is possible that some studies were missed during the search process, introducing possible selection bias. No abstracts or unpublished works were included which could have introduced publication bias. Several studies did not report all variables the authors examined, and this could have skewed some of the results since the reporting of additional variables could have altered the data to show significant differences in some measured variables. As outcome measures for various pathologies were not compared, conclusions cannot be drawn on the best treatment option for various indications. As case reports were included, this could have lowered both the MCMS as well as the average in studies reporting outcomes. Furthermore, given the overall poor quality of the underlying data available for this study, the validity/generalizability of the results could be limited as the level of evidence of this systematic review is only as high as the studies it includes. There are subtle differences between rotator cuff arthropathy and pseudoparalysis, and some studies may have classified patients differently than others, causing differences in indications. Finally, as the primary goal of this study was to report on demographics, no evaluation of concomitant pathology at the time of surgery or rehabilitation protocols was performed.

CONCLUSION

The quantity, but not the quality of RTSA studies is increasing. Indications for RTSA varied by continent although most patients underwent RTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy. The majority of patients undergoing RTSA are female over the age of 60 years for a diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy with pseudoparalysis.

This paper will be judged for the Resident Writer’s Award.

References

1. Boileau P, Moineau G, Roussanne Y, O'Shea K. Bony increased-offset reversed shoulder arthroplasty: minimizing scapular impingement while maximizing glenoid fixation. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011;469(9):2558-2567. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-1775-4.

2. Gupta AK, Harris JD, Erickson BJ, et al. Surgical management of complex proximal humerus fractures-a systematic review of 92 studies including 4,500 patients. J Orthop Trauma. 2014;29(1):54-59.

3. Cazeneuve JF, Cristofari DJ. Grammont reversed prosthesis for acute complex fracture of the proximal humerus in an elderly population with 5 to 12 years follow-up. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2014;100(1):93-97. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2013.12.005.

4. Clark JC, Ritchie J, Song FS, et al. Complication rates, dislocation, pain, and postoperative range of motion after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with and without repair of the subscapularis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(1):36-41. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.04.009.

5. De Biase CF, Delcogliano M, Borroni M, Castagna A. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: radiological and clinical result using an eccentric glenosphere. Musculoskelet Surg. 2012;96(suppl 1):S27-SS34. doi:10.1007/s12306-012-0193-4.

6. Al-Hadithy N, Domos P, Sewell MD, Pandit R. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in 41 patients with cuff tear arthropathy with a mean follow-up period of 5 years. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(11):1662-1668. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.03.001.

7. Ross M, Hope B, Stokes A, Peters SE, McLeod I, Duke PF. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of three-part and four-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(2):215-222. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.05.022.

8. Mulieri P, Dunning P, Klein S, Pupello D, Frankle M. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tear without glenohumeral arthritis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2010;92(15):2544-2556. doi:10.2106/JBJS.I.00912.

9. Erickson BJ, Frank RM, Harris JD, Mall N, Romeo AA. The influence of humeral head inclination in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(6):988-993. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2015.01.001.

10. Schairer WW, Nwachukwu BU, Lyman S, Craig EV, Gulotta LV. National utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the United States. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(1):91-97. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.08.026.

11. Kim SH, Wise BL, Zhang Y, Szabo RM. Increasing incidence of shoulder arthroplasty in the United States. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011;93(24):2249-2254. doi:10.2106/JBJS.J.01994.

12. Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzlaff J, et al. The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. J Clin Epidemiol. 2009;62(10):e1-e34. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.006.

13. University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, National Institute for Health Research. PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews. University of York Web site. http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. Accessed November 1, 2016.

14. Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine – Levels of evidence (March 2009). University of Oxford Web site: https://www.cebm.net/2009/06/oxford-centre-evidence-based-medicine-levels-evidence-march-2009/. Accessed November 1, 2016.

15. Cowan J, Lozano-Calderón S, Ring D. Quality of prospective controlled randomized trials. Analysis of trials of treatment for lateral epicondylitis as an example. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89(8):1693-1699. doi:10.2106/JBJS.F.00858.

16. Frankle M, Levy JC, Pupello D, et al. The reverse shoulder prosthesis for glenohumeral arthritis associated with severe rotator cuff deficiency. A minimum two-year follow-up study of sixty patients surgical technique. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(suppl 1 Pt 2):178-190. doi:10.2106/JBJS.F.00123.

17. Werner CM, Steinmann PA, Gilbart M, Gerber C. Treatment of painful pseudoparesis due to irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction with the Delta III reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(7):1476-1486. doi:10.2106/JBJS.D.02342.

18. Peppers TA, Jobe CM, Dai QG, Williams PA, Libanati C. Fixation of humeral prostheses and axial micromotion. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1998;7(4):414-418. doi:10.1016/S1058-2746(98)90034-9.

19. Wiater JM, Moravek JE Jr, Budge MD, Koueiter DM, Marcantonio D, Wiater BP. Clinical and radiographic results of cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a comparative study with 2 to 5 years of follow-up. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1208-1214. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.11.032.

20. Nowinski RJ, Gillespie RJ, Shishani Y, Cohen B, Walch G, Gobezie R. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement reduces deep infection rates for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a retrospective, cohort study of 501 shoulders. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(3):324-328. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.08.072.

21. Favard L, Levigne C, Nerot C, Gerber C, De Wilde L, Mole D. Reverse prostheses in arthropathies with cuff tear: are survivorship and function maintained over time? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011;469(9):2469-2475. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-1833-y.

22. Naveed MA, Kitson J, Bunker TD. The Delta III reverse shoulder replacement for cuff tear arthropathy: a single-centre study of 50 consecutive procedures. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2011;93(1):57-61. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.93B1.24218.

23. Ponce BA, Oladeji LO, Rogers ME, Menendez ME. Comparative analysis of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: in-hospital outcomes and costs. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(3):460-467. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.08.016.

24. Coe MP, Greiwe RM, Joshi R, et al. The cost-effectiveness of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with hemiarthroplasty for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(10):1278-1288. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.10.010.

25. Renfree KJ, Hattrup SJ, Chang YH. Cost utility analysis of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2013;22(12):1656-1661. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.08.002.

26. Chalmers PN, Slikker W, 3rd, Mall NA, et al. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fracture: comparison to open reduction-internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(2):197-204. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.07.044.

27. Steen BM, Cabezas AF, Santoni BG, et al. Outcome and value of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis: a matched cohort. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(9):1433-1441. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2015.01.005.

References

1. Boileau P, Moineau G, Roussanne Y, O'Shea K. Bony increased-offset reversed shoulder arthroplasty: minimizing scapular impingement while maximizing glenoid fixation. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011;469(9):2558-2567. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-1775-4.

2. Gupta AK, Harris JD, Erickson BJ, et al. Surgical management of complex proximal humerus fractures-a systematic review of 92 studies including 4,500 patients. J Orthop Trauma. 2014;29(1):54-59.

3. Cazeneuve JF, Cristofari DJ. Grammont reversed prosthesis for acute complex fracture of the proximal humerus in an elderly population with 5 to 12 years follow-up. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2014;100(1):93-97. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2013.12.005.

4. Clark JC, Ritchie J, Song FS, et al. Complication rates, dislocation, pain, and postoperative range of motion after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with and without repair of the subscapularis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(1):36-41. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.04.009.

5. De Biase CF, Delcogliano M, Borroni M, Castagna A. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: radiological and clinical result using an eccentric glenosphere. Musculoskelet Surg. 2012;96(suppl 1):S27-SS34. doi:10.1007/s12306-012-0193-4.

6. Al-Hadithy N, Domos P, Sewell MD, Pandit R. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in 41 patients with cuff tear arthropathy with a mean follow-up period of 5 years. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(11):1662-1668. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.03.001.

7. Ross M, Hope B, Stokes A, Peters SE, McLeod I, Duke PF. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of three-part and four-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(2):215-222. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.05.022.

8. Mulieri P, Dunning P, Klein S, Pupello D, Frankle M. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tear without glenohumeral arthritis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2010;92(15):2544-2556. doi:10.2106/JBJS.I.00912.

9. Erickson BJ, Frank RM, Harris JD, Mall N, Romeo AA. The influence of humeral head inclination in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(6):988-993. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2015.01.001.

10. Schairer WW, Nwachukwu BU, Lyman S, Craig EV, Gulotta LV. National utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the United States. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(1):91-97. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.08.026.

11. Kim SH, Wise BL, Zhang Y, Szabo RM. Increasing incidence of shoulder arthroplasty in the United States. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011;93(24):2249-2254. doi:10.2106/JBJS.J.01994.

12. Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzlaff J, et al. The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. J Clin Epidemiol. 2009;62(10):e1-e34. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.006.

13. University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, National Institute for Health Research. PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews. University of York Web site. http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. Accessed November 1, 2016.

14. Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine – Levels of evidence (March 2009). University of Oxford Web site: https://www.cebm.net/2009/06/oxford-centre-evidence-based-medicine-levels-evidence-march-2009/. Accessed November 1, 2016.

15. Cowan J, Lozano-Calderón S, Ring D. Quality of prospective controlled randomized trials. Analysis of trials of treatment for lateral epicondylitis as an example. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89(8):1693-1699. doi:10.2106/JBJS.F.00858.

16. Frankle M, Levy JC, Pupello D, et al. The reverse shoulder prosthesis for glenohumeral arthritis associated with severe rotator cuff deficiency. A minimum two-year follow-up study of sixty patients surgical technique. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(suppl 1 Pt 2):178-190. doi:10.2106/JBJS.F.00123.

17. Werner CM, Steinmann PA, Gilbart M, Gerber C. Treatment of painful pseudoparesis due to irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction with the Delta III reverse-ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(7):1476-1486. doi:10.2106/JBJS.D.02342.

18. Peppers TA, Jobe CM, Dai QG, Williams PA, Libanati C. Fixation of humeral prostheses and axial micromotion. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1998;7(4):414-418. doi:10.1016/S1058-2746(98)90034-9.

19. Wiater JM, Moravek JE Jr, Budge MD, Koueiter DM, Marcantonio D, Wiater BP. Clinical and radiographic results of cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a comparative study with 2 to 5 years of follow-up. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1208-1214. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.11.032.

20. Nowinski RJ, Gillespie RJ, Shishani Y, Cohen B, Walch G, Gobezie R. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement reduces deep infection rates for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a retrospective, cohort study of 501 shoulders. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(3):324-328. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.08.072.

21. Favard L, Levigne C, Nerot C, Gerber C, De Wilde L, Mole D. Reverse prostheses in arthropathies with cuff tear: are survivorship and function maintained over time? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011;469(9):2469-2475. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-1833-y.

22. Naveed MA, Kitson J, Bunker TD. The Delta III reverse shoulder replacement for cuff tear arthropathy: a single-centre study of 50 consecutive procedures. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2011;93(1):57-61. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.93B1.24218.

23. Ponce BA, Oladeji LO, Rogers ME, Menendez ME. Comparative analysis of anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: in-hospital outcomes and costs. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(3):460-467. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2014.08.016.

24. Coe MP, Greiwe RM, Joshi R, et al. The cost-effectiveness of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with hemiarthroplasty for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(10):1278-1288. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2011.10.010.

25. Renfree KJ, Hattrup SJ, Chang YH. Cost utility analysis of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2013;22(12):1656-1661. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.08.002.

26. Chalmers PN, Slikker W, 3rd, Mall NA, et al. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fracture: comparison to open reduction-internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(2):197-204. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2013.07.044.

27. Steen BM, Cabezas AF, Santoni BG, et al. Outcome and value of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis: a matched cohort. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(9):1433-1441. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2015.01.005.

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TAKE-HOME POINTS

  • RTSA is an effective treatment for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (the most common reason patients undergo RTSA).
  • While there has been a plethora of literature surrounding outcomes of RTSA over the past several years, the methodological quality of this literature has been limited.
  • Similarly, this study found the number of publications surrounding RTSA is increasing each year while the average methodological quality of these studies is decreasing.
  • Females undergo RTSA more commonly than males, and the average age of patients undergoing RTSA is 71 years.
  • Interestingly, patients’ postoperative external rotation was higher in studies out of North America compared to other continents. Further research into this area is needed to understand more about this finding.
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