Defining the tipping point for primary shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Although risk factors for poor outcomes and complications have been studied, there remain limited objective criteria to guide surgeons about the timing of arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to further characterize the tipping-point scores for a group of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 5670 primary shoulder arthroplasties (1833 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties and 3837 reverse shoulder arthroplasties [RSAs]) performed over a 10-year period. Preoperative range of motion, PROMs (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores), and Constant scores were evaluated. The tipping point for each PROM was evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors for lower tipping points. RESULTS: Patients undergoing RSA demonstrated lower tipping points for all range-of-motion parameters as well as American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and Simple Shoulder Test scores. Female sex was predictive of a lower tipping point prior to shoulder arthroplasty, regardless of implant type. When the total shoulder arthroplasty subgroup was evaluated, both female sex and a higher body mass index were shown to be associated with a lower tipping point. DISCUSSION: The choice to undergo shoulder arthroplasty is a multifactorial decision that encompasses both physical and social factors. Female patients and patients undergoing RSA are more likely to accept slightly worse shoulder function prior to making the decision to undergo shoulder arthroplasty.