Early outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for degenerative shoulder conditions

Abstract

Background: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is widely used for the treatment of degenerative shoulder conditions, particularly in the presence of rotator cuff deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate short-term clinical and functional outcomes following RSA.
Methods: A prospective cohort study including 32 patients with cuff tear arthropathy or primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis was conducted. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively using the Bulgarian versions of the Simple Shoulder Test (BSST) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (BASES) score. Range of motion and complications were also assessed. Subgroup and correlation analyses were performed.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in both BSST and BASES scores (mean increase 56.4 and 56.7 points, respectively; p < 0.001). Range of motion improved significantly in all planes, particularly in forward flexion and abduction (p < 0.01). The complication rate was 15.6%, including aseptic loosening, infection, and component dissociation. No significant differences were found across subgroups, and no correlations were identified between demographic factors and outcomes.
Conclusion: RSA provides significant short-term improvements in pain, function, and shoulder mobility in patients with degenerative conditions, with consistent outcomes across patient subgroups. Further studies are required to evaluate long-term durability.