Reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Part 1: Systematic review of clinical and functional outcomes

Many factors influence the outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of RSA depending on the surgical approach, type of prosthesis, and indication for surgery through a comprehensive, systematic review. A literature search was conducted (1985 to June 2012) using PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO–SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Levels I–IV evidence, in-vivo human studies (written in English with minimum of 2 years of follow-up and sample size of 10 patients) reporting clinical and/or functional outcomes after RSA were included. The outcomes were analyzed depending on the surgical approach, type of prosthesis (with medialized or lateralized center of rotation), or indication for surgery. A total of 35 studies were included involving 2049 patients (mean [SD] percentage of females, age, and follow-up of 71.6% [13.4], 71.5 years [3.7], and 43.1 months [18.8], respectively). Studies using deltopectoral approach with lateralized prostheses demonstrated greater improvement in external rotation compared with medialized prostheses with the same approach (mean 22.9° and 5°, respectively). In general, RSA for cuff tear arthropathy demonstrated higher improvements in Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Society scores, and range of motion compared with revision of anatomic prosthesis, failed rotator cuff repair, and fracture sequelae. Lateralized prostheses provided more improvement in external rotation compared to medialized prostheses. Indications of RSA for cuff tear arthropathy demonstrated higher improvements in the outcomes compared with other indications. RSA demonstrated high patient's satisfaction regardless of the type of prosthesis or indication for surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.