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Return to Work After Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Patients 55 Years and Younger at Average 5-Year Follow-up
Abstract
As the number of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties performed on younger patients continues to grow, return to work after surgery becomes increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty to return patients 55 years or younger to work postoperatively. A retrospective review was performed of consecutive anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty patients. Inclusion criteria were age 55 years or younger at surgery, greater than 2 years of follow-up, and employment within 3 years of surgery. Employment was stratified by intensity of work (sedentary, light, moderate, or heavy). Return to work status and time out of work were also evaluated. Fifty-two patients worked before surgery. Average age was 48.4 years, with average follow-up of 5.4 years. Seventy-three percent were male, and average body mass index was 28.0 kg/m2. Average visual analog scale score improved from 5.5 to 0.9 (P<.0001) and American Shoulder and Elbow Society score improved from 39.9 to 88.3 (P<.0001). Forty-eight (92%) of 52 returned to work postoperatively after an average of 2.1 months. When stratified by intensity, all patients with sedentary, light, or moderate work returned, whereas 64% returned to heavy work (P<.01). Eighty-seven percent were satisfied to very satisfied after surgery. In summary, most patients (92%) who undergo anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty at 55 years or younger return to work, on average, 2.1 months after surgery. [Orthopedics. 201x; xx(x):xx-xx.].
... Outcomes regarding the ability to and time-frame for returning to work are not captured with standard PROs. 6,12 The purpose of this study was to establish a time frame regarding the patients' ability to RTW after DFVO, to assess the level of work they return to compared with their preoperative level, and to examine the effect the level of work intensity has on the patients' ability to RTW. ...
... This questionnaire has been previously used to describe work-related outcomes after other common orthopaedic procedures. 6,7,12 Patients' levels of work intensity were stratified into sedentary and light-, moderate-, and heavy-intensity physical demands (Table 1). 12 In addition to work-related and surgical outcomes, we also assessed if patients, given the chance, would have their procedure again. ...
... 6,7,12 Patients' levels of work intensity were stratified into sedentary and light-, moderate-, and heavy-intensity physical demands (Table 1). 12 In addition to work-related and surgical outcomes, we also assessed if patients, given the chance, would have their procedure again. Postoperative VAS pain scores and SANE scores, and 4-point Likert subjective satisfaction score were also assessed. ...
Background
Distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO) is a well-described procedure to address valgus deformity of the knee. There is a paucity of information available regarding patients’ ability to return to work (RTW) after DFVO.
Purpose
To report the objective findings for RTW rates and times for patients receiving a DFVO for lateral compartment osteoarthritis secondary to valgus deformity of the knee.
Study Design
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods
This was a retrospective study of patients who received a lateral-wedge opening DFVO. Patients must have worked within 3 years before their operation to be included for analysis. Patients were contacted at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively for interview and questionnaire evaluation, including a subjective work questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and a satisfaction questionnaire.
Results
Overall, 32 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 7.1 ± 4.1 years (range, 2.2-13.3 years). The mean ± SD age at the time of surgery was 30.8 ± 8.8 years (range, 17.2-46.5 years), and 65.6% of patients were female. Eleven patients (34.4%) received a concomitant meniscal allograft transplant, and 12 (37.5%) received a cartilage grafting procedure. The average VAS pain score decreased significantly from 6.1 preoperatively to 3.2 postoperatively ( P = .03). All patients were able to RTW, at a mean time of 6.0 ± 13.2 months postoperatively (range, 0-72 months). When stratified by work intensity, the average time to return was 13.8, 3.1, 2.7, and 2.9 months for high, moderate, light, and sedentary occupations, respectively. There was no significant difference between these RTW times ( P = .16), although this analysis may have been limited by the small sample size. Four patients whose work was classified as heavy work (50%) and 3 whose work was classified as moderate work (18.8%) either switched jobs or kept the same job with lighter physical duties as a result of their procedures.
Conclusion
In a young and active population, DFVO for valgus deformity reliably afforded the ability to RTW within a relatively short time for patients with sedentary, light, and moderate occupational demands. However, patients with moderate- to high-intensity occupational demands may be unable to RTW at their preoperative level.
... This work questionnaire has been previously used to describe outcomes following orthopedic procedures. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Occupational intensity was divided into high, medium, low, or sedentary occupations ( Table 1). [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Preoperative diagnosis, demographic information, complications, and surgical history were obtained from patient records. ...
... [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Occupational intensity was divided into high, medium, low, or sedentary occupations ( Table 1). [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Preoperative diagnosis, demographic information, complications, and surgical history were obtained from patient records. Preoperative radiographs were assessed by 2 reviewers (DRC, AA) for the degree of osteoarthritis using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system. ...
... However, its design is similar to previous studies that examined RTW and patient satisfaction following orthopedic procedures. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] This study is also subject to nonresponse bias as 25.6% of patients were lost to follow-up. Patients lost to follow-up may represent a fundamentally different patient population than those included in this study. ...
Purpose
Evaluate the ability of patients to return to work (RTW) following arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) for meniscal deficiency.
Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing MAT were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and satisfaction.
Results
Forty-seven patients who were employed within 3 years prior to surgery (average age: 30.2 ± 6.9 years) were contacted at an average of 3.5 ± 0.9 years postoperatively. Forty-six patients (97.8%) returned to work by 2.7 ± 2.6 months postoperatively, and 44 patients (93.6%) returned to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary, light, medium, or high intensity occupations were able to RTW at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 88.9%, and 85.7% ( P = 0.4) by 1.1 ± 1.0 months, 2.5 ± 2.5 months, 3.5 ± 3.2 months, and 4.3 ± 2.8 months ( P = 0.3) postoperatively. Thirty-eight patients (80.9%) were at least somewhat satisfied, and 43 patients (91.5%) would still have the operation if presented the opportunity. No patient underwent revision MAT or conversion to arthroplasty.
Conclusion
In patients with painful meniscal deficiency, MAT provides a high rate of RTW (97.8%) by 2.7 ± 2.6 months postoperatively. However, some patients may be unable to return to their previous level of occupational intensity. Although statistically insignificant, patients with higher intensity occupations may have a lower rate and longer duration until RTW than those with less physically demanding occupations. Information regarding RTW is imperative for appropriately managing postoperative expectations.
... Along with a longer life expectancy, the high rate of glenoid loosening in younger patients may be related to the fact that over 90% of younger patients return to sporting and occupational activities after TSA, many with moderate to heavy upperextremity demands. 12,19 Despite these concerns, the demand for TSA in patients younger than 55 years in the United States is projected to grow at a rate of 8.2% per year, for a total increase of 333% from 2011 to 2030. This increase in TSA is coupled with a decline in hemiarthroplasty of 16.5% per year from 2002 to 2011 in patients younger than 55 years. ...
... In the short term, TSA in the young patient offers excellent functional improvements, with over 90% of patients reported to be able to return to work and sporting activity, higher than the rate after hemiarthroplasty. 12,19,20 In addition, TSA has been found to result in superior outcomes and lower revision rates than hemiarthroplasty. 3,29 Bartelt et al 2 reported a series of 46 TSAs and 20 hemiarthroplasties in patients younger than 55 years, finding a 10-year implant survival rate of 92% for the TSA group vs. 72% for the hemiarthroplasty group. ...
... With younger patients undergoing TSA, they will be more likely to want to return to sporting and recreational activities after TSA. 12,19,20 Using TSA with an inlay glenoid and stemless ovoid humeral head, we found that 83% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their ability to play sports and that 55% achieved the same level or a higher level of sporting activity compared with preoperative levels. In a recent systematic review, Liu et al 20 found, similarly to our study, that 92% of patients were able to return to sports after TSA, significantly higher than the rate after hemiarthroplasty (71%). ...
Background:
Biomechanical studies show that inlay glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can reduce edge loading and opposite-edge lift-off forces with humeral translation compared with onlay glenoids. However, clinical data for these implants are lacking. We report clinical outcomes and return to activities after anatomic TSA with an inlay glenoid component and a stemless ovoid humeral head in an active, young patient population.
Methods:
A retrospective review of TSA with an inlay glenoid component and an ovoid humeral head component was performed for 27 shoulders. Patients were evaluated with patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, and radiographs. Return to occupational and sporting activity, complications, and reoperations were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 27 shoulders were available for minimum 2-year follow-up. Age averaged 52.1 years, and 92.6% of shoulders were in male patients. The preoperative Walch grade was A1 or A2 in 15 shoulders (55%), B1 in 8 (30%), and B2 in 4 (15%). Patients showed significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures, active forward flexion, and external rotation (P < .001) with no reoperations. At an average of 3.7 months, the rate of return to work was 92.6%, with 76.0% of those patients returning to their preoperative occupational demand level. At an average of 9.1 months, 75% of patients who responded to our custom survey returned to sport, with 50% achieving the same level or a higher level of sporting activity. Annual postoperative radiographs revealed no inlay component loosening.
Conclusion:
Anatomic TSA with an inlay glenoid coupled with a stemless ovoid humeral head in an active population resulted in improved clinical outcomes, no reoperations or radiographic loosening, and a high rate of return to activity at shorter-term follow-up.
... 9 Furthermore, as the age of retirement increases, return to work (RTW) may be an important determinant of patient outcomes. 10 Therefore, return to sport (RTS) and RTW may be more important outcomes in this cohort of patients. ...
... The sport and work questionnaire has been previously used to describe outcomes after orthopaedic procedures. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Patient-reported activities were stratified into low-, medium-, and high-intensity lower-extremity demands (Table 1), 11,13,15,16 and occupational intensity was divided into high, medium, low, or sedentary occupations (Table 2). 10,12 Preoperative diagnosis, demographic information, complications, and surgical history were collected from patient records. ...
... [10][11][12][13][14][15] Patient-reported activities were stratified into low-, medium-, and high-intensity lower-extremity demands (Table 1), 11,13,15,16 and occupational intensity was divided into high, medium, low, or sedentary occupations (Table 2). 10,12 Preoperative diagnosis, demographic information, complications, and surgical history were collected from patient records. Preoperative radiographs were assessed by 2 reviewers (J.N.L. and A.A.) for the degree of osteoarthritis using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system, and operative reports were reviewed for the degree of varus correction. ...
Purpose:
(1) To examine the timeline of return to sport (RTS) and return to work (RTW) after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with concomitant medial meniscal allograft transplant (MAT), (2) to evaluate the degree of function on RTS and RTW, and (3) to identify reasons patients do not return to sport- or work-related activity.
Methods:
Patients undergoing HTO plus MAT were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. The exclusion criterion was any concomitant procedure except cartilage restoration for focal full-thickness medial femoral condylar defects. Patients completed a subjective sport and work questionnaire, a visual analog scale for pain, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and a satisfaction questionnaire.
Results:
Twenty-two patients (aged 35.1 ± 8.1 years) were included at 9.3 ± 3.7 years postoperatively. Sixteen patients participated in sports within 3 years before surgery, and 14 patients (87.5%) returned to sport by 9.7 ± 3.8 months postoperatively. Only 7 patients (43.8%) returned to their preinjury status. Eighteen patients were employed within 3 years before surgery, and all patients returned to work; however, only 16 patients (88.9%) returned at the same occupational intensity by 3.1 ± 2.4 months. The rates of RTW for light-, medium-, and heavy-intensity occupations were 100%, 75.0%, and 85.7%, respectively, whereas the duration of RTW was 2.1 months, 2.3 months, and 4.8 months, respectively. Of the patients, 20 (90.9%) reported at least 1 complaint postoperatively, with 13 patients (59.1%) returning to the operating room for recurrent symptoms, including 1 patient who received a knee replacement at 7.75 years postoperatively.
Conclusions:
In patients with medial meniscal deficiency and varus deformity, HTO plus MAT provided high rates of RTS (87.5%) and RTW (100%) by 9.7 months and 3.1 months, respectively. It is imperative that clinicians manage expectations because patients may RTS and RTW after HTO plus MAT; however, return to high-intensity activities or occupations may be unlikely or delayed.
Level of evidence:
Level IV, retrospective case series.
... As the age of retirement increases, return to work (RTW) following HTO may be an important determinant of patient outcomes. 11 It has previously been shown that approximately 85% of patients returned to work following HTO; however, the timing of return to work and stratification based on work intensity was not provided. 12,13 Several recent investigations examined the relationship between work intensity and the ability to return to work following high tibial osteotomy. ...
... This questionnaire has been used previously to describe work-related outcomes following orthopedic procedures. 11,17,18 Work intensity status was stratified into low-, medium-, and high-intensity occupational demands ( Table 1). 11 In addition to this questionnaire, pre-operative diagnosis, demographic information, intra-operative variables, complications, and surgical history were collected from patient records. ...
... 11,17,18 Work intensity status was stratified into low-, medium-, and high-intensity occupational demands ( Table 1). 11 In addition to this questionnaire, pre-operative diagnosis, demographic information, intra-operative variables, complications, and surgical history were collected from patient records. Preoperative radiographs were also assessed for the degree of OA using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system, while operative reports were reviewed for the degree of varus correction. ...
Purpose:
Patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity may undergo high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to reduce the contact pressure in the medial compartment. The purpose of this investigation is (1) examine the timeline of return to work (RTW) following HTO and (2) evaluate RTW stratified by occupational intensity.
Methods:
Consecutive patients undergoing HTO were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 2-years postoperatively. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, a visual analogue scale for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and a satisfaction questionnaire.
Results:
Thirty-eight patients were included at an average of 9.0 ± 3.3 years postoperatively. Thirty-seven patients (average age 43.4 ± 7.8 years, 91.9% with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of III/IV) were employed within 3 years prior to surgery. Eighteen patients (48.6%) underwent subsequent surgery with 14 patients (37.8%) receiving a salvage knee arthroplasty at an average of 6.1 ± 3.5 years following HTO. Thirty-five patients (94.5%) returned to work at an average of 2.9 ± 2.0 months. The rate of RTW for sedentary, light, moderate, and heavy duties were 87.5%, 100%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively, while the duration until RTW was 1.0 months, 1.1 months, 2.4 months, and 3.3 months, respectively.
Conclusion:
In a young and active population with osteoarthritis or varus deformity, an HTO allows patients to return to work; however, patients with high-intensity occupations may be absent from work longer than those with lesser physically demanding occupations. HTO is not a definitive treatment option as nearly 40% of patients underwent knee arthroplasty by 6.1 years postoperatively.
Level of evidence:
IV, case series.
... 40, 41 The common criticism of the aTSA is that survivorship of the glenoid implant may not be suitable for younger or high-demand patients. 5,12,25,34,37 Survivorship for glenoid component loosening at 10 years is reported between 70% and 96%, 8,10,16,35,37,42 so there is some apprehension in performing an arthroplasty if there is an expectation that it will fail during a patient's life time. However, return to work in the short-term after aTSA is reported as excellent. ...
... The most recent study reports 92.3% return to work within 2.1 months after aTSA. 25 Still, there is concern for heavy-duty laborers, because a high duty of work will cause greater edge loading of the implant and subsequent component loosening. 7,25,34 Hemiarthroplasty may also be used for management of arthritis; however, clinical outcomes are significantly inferior to that of aTSA. ...
... 25 Still, there is concern for heavy-duty laborers, because a high duty of work will cause greater edge loading of the implant and subsequent component loosening. 7,25,34 Hemiarthroplasty may also be used for management of arthritis; however, clinical outcomes are significantly inferior to that of aTSA. 9,11,20,24,46 Return to work outcomes have been previously established between 61.5% and 69.4%. ...
Background:
Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) has demonstrated high levels of return to work, although there are fears of glenoid component loosening with higher work demand.
Methods:
A retrospective query was performed of all patients who received hemiarthroplasty with ream-and-run resurfacing (Hemi RR) between 2005 and 2014. Included patients were matched to an aTSA cohort by age, body mass index, sex, and hand dominance. Preoperative and postoperative work status, by level of duty and occupation, was collected.
Results:
Twenty-five patients receiving Hemi RR and 28 patients receiving TSA completed this questionnaire (82.8% compliance). Mean follow-up was 69.1 ± 24.8 months. In total, 100% of Hemi RR patients returned to work, and 89.3% of TSA patients returned to work (P = .091). The Hemi RR patients had higher rates of return to work for heavy-duty workers only (7 of 7 vs. 2 of 4, P = .038), although only 1 patient in the TSA group reported failure to work was due to shoulder reasons. Mean duration of return to work was 2.5 ± 4.8 months for patients receiving Hemi RR and 1.98 ± 2.6 months for those receiving TSA (P = .653).
Conclusions:
Hemi RR had a high return to heavy-duty work, likely due to fewer surgeon-imposed restrictions. The results of this study may help manage return to work expectations after Hemi RR according to the level of duty and suggest Hemi RR is a viable option for heavy-duty laborers with end-stage glenohumeral arthritis.
... This work questionnaire has been administered to describe outcomes after orthopaedic procedures. [2][3][4][5][6][17][18][19][20]24,[28][29][30]38 Occupational intensity was divided into high, medium, low, or sedentary occupations based on the US Department of Labor classification (Table 1). [2][3][4][5][6][16][17][18][19]23,[27][28][29]37 Patient records were reviewed to identify preoperative diagnosis, Occasionally, activity or condition exists up to one-third of the time; frequently, activity or condition exists one-third to two-thirds of the time; constantly, activity or condition exists two-thirds to most of the time. ...
... In addition, this study is subject to recall bias; however, its design is similar to previous investigations that assessed return to work and satisfaction after upper and lower extremity orthopaedic procedures. [2][3][4][5][6][17][18][19][20]24,[28][29][30]38 This study is also subject to nonresponse bias, as 18.3% of patients were lost to follow-up. Patients lost to follow-up may compose a different population than those retained in the study. ...
Background
Pectoralis major repair (PMR) is an infrequent injury that occurs during resistance training, most commonly during the eccentric phase of muscle contraction. As the incidence of weight training continues to increase, it is important to understand the outcomes after PMR.
Purpose
To evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing PMR.
Study Design
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing PMR from 2010 to 2016 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire, as well as a visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons survey, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and a satisfaction survey.
Results
Of the 60 eligible patients who had a PMR, 49 (81.7%) were contacted at the final follow-up. Of the 49 patients, 46 (93.9%) had been employed within 3 years before surgery (mean ± SD age, 40.4 ± 8.2 years; follow-up, 3.9 ± 2.8 years). Of these, 45 (97.8%) returned to work by 1.6 ± 2.1 months postoperatively, and 41 (89.1%) returned to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary, light-, medium-, or high-intensity occupations returned to work at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 83.3%, and 66.7% by 0.8 ± 1.0, 0.8 ± 1.0, 1.3 ± 2.7, and 3.3 ± 2.7 months, respectively. Five of 6 patients (83.3%) with workers’ compensation returned to their previous occupations by 5.0 ± 1.6 months, while 100% of those without workers’ compensation returned to work by 1.1 ± 1.7 months ( P < .001). Overall, 44 patients (95.7%) were satisfied with the procedure, and 40 (87.0%) would have the operation again if presented the opportunity. A single patient (2.2%) required revision PMR.
Conclusion
Approximately 98% of patients who underwent PMR returned to work by 1.6 ± 2.1 months postoperatively. Patients with higher-intensity occupations took longer to return to their preoperative levels of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations.
... This questionnaire has been used previously to describe work-related outcomes following orthopedic procedures. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Patients were inquired if they held occupations within 3 years prior to surgery to ensure that a cohort that comprised the workforce at the time of surgery was included in the investigation. Work-intensity status was stratified into low-, medium-, and high-intensity occupational demands based on guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor ( Table 1). ...
... However, the design of this investigation is similar to previous studies regarding RTW and patient satisfaction following orthopedic procedures. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] This investigation is also prone to nonresponse bias as well as beta error since 28.8% of patients were unable to be contacted to complete the questionnaire. Last, radiographic evaluation at final followup was not performed to determine the effect of RTW and other activities on the progression of patellofemoral arthritis. ...
Purpose
To evaluate the ability of patients to return to work following anteromedialization (AMZ) tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) due to isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis or pain.
Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing AMZ TTO were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, a visual analog scale for pain, as well as a Kujala questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire.
Results
Fifty-seven patients (61 knees; average age: 32.7 ± 9.6 years) were contacted at an average follow-up of 4.86 ± 2.84 years postoperatively. The preoperative Kujala score improved from 55.7 ± 17.8 to 84.6 ± 15.8 at final follow-up ( P < 0.001). Thirty-seven patients (64.9%) were employed within 3 years prior to surgery and 34 patients (91.9%) were able to return to work by 2.8 ± 2.6 months postoperatively. However, only 27 patients (73.0%) of patients were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary, light-, medium-, or high-intensity occupations were able to return to work at a rate of 100.0%, 93.8%, 77.8%, and 100.0% by 2.2 months, 3.0 months, 3.1 months, and 4.0 months, postoperatively. No patients underwent revision TTO or conversion to arthroplasty by the time of final follow-up.
Conclusion
In patients with focal patellofemoral osteoarthritis or pain, AMZ TTO provides a high rate of return to work (91.9%) by 2.8 ± 2.6 months postoperatively. Patients with higher intensity occupations may take longer to return to work than those with less physically demanding occupations.
Level of Evidence
III.
... The RTW rate reported in this study is higher than generally found in literature [15,21,23,24,26,27]. One explanation is the comparatively lower average age of the participants, which may indicate better overall health and contribute to a quicker RTW. ...
Background:
Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) have demonstrated significant improvement in shoulder function and pain relief. Work-related outcomes have become increasingly important, while the current literature lacks evidence related to return-to-work (RTW) and which factors might have an influence on it.
Aims:
This study aimed to assess RTW in patients who have received aTSA or HA at a minimum of 1-year follow-up after surgery, and secondary to evaluate possible prognostic factors associated with RTW.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective query in employed patients diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder, who received either an aTSA or HA between February 2006 and February 2021. Preoperative and post-operative work and sports participation were assessed.
Results:
Forty-four patients participated in this study (98% compliance), of which 40 patients (91%) were able to RTW at a median time of two (interquartile range: 2-4) months post-operatively. Patients with a medium-/high-demand occupation demonstrated RTW at a significantly lower rate (79%) than those with light-demand occupations (100%; P = 0.03). There was a statistically significant association between return to full employment and patients' expectation to fully return, absence of preoperative work adjustments and preoperative sick leave (odds ratio: 16.9 [3.1-93.5]; 18.3 [2.1-160.4]; 0.1 [0.0-0.6]).
Conclusions:
aTSA and HA facilitate excellent RTW rates. Patients with a medium-/high-demand occupation return at a significantly lower rate. The ability to RTW seems to be multifactorial and the results found might not be attributed to shoulder arthroplasty alone.
Background:
Many patients prioritize the ability to return to work (RTW) after shoulder replacement surgeries such as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse TSA (rTSA), and shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA). Due to satisfactory clinical and functional long-term outcomes, the number of shoulder replacements performed will continue to rise into this next decade. With younger individuals who compose a significant amount of the workforce receiving shoulder replacements, patients will begin to place a higher priority on their ability to RTW following shoulder arthroplasty.
Aim:
To summarize RTW outcomes following TSA, rTSA, and HA, and analyze the effects of workers' compensation status on RTW rates and ability.
Methods:
This systematic review and analysis was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search regarding RTW following shoulder arthroplasty was performed using four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library), and the Reference Citation Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/). All studies in English relevant to shoulder arthroplasty and RTW through January 2021 that had a level of evidence I to IV were included. Nonclinical studies, literature reviews, case reports, and those not reporting on RTW after shoulder arthroplasty were excluded.
Results:
The majority of patients undergoing TSA, rTSA, or HA were able to RTW between one to four months, depending on work demand stratification. While sedentary or light demand jobs generally have higher rates of RTW, moderate or heavy demand jobs tend to have poorer rates of return. The rates of RTW following TSA (71%-93%) were consistently higher than those reported for HA (69%-82%) and rTSA (56%-65%). Furthermore, workers' compensation status negatively influenced clinical outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty. Through a pooled means analysis, we proposed guidelines for the average time to RTW after TSA, rTSA, and HA. For TSA, rTSA, and HA, the average time to RTW regardless of work demand stratification was 1.93 ± 3.74 mo, 2.3 ± 2.4 mo, and 2.29 ± 3.66 mo, respectively.
Conclusion:
The majority of patients are able to RTW following shoulder arthroplasty. Understanding outcomes for rates of RTW following shoulder arthroplasty would assist in managing expectations in clinical practice.
Purpose
Evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing latarjet for failed soft tissue stabilization or glenoid bone loss.
Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing latarjet from 2005-2015 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of two years postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire, Western Ontario Instability Index (WOSI) Survey, and a satisfaction survey.
Results
Out of 89 eligible patients who had latarjet, 67 patients (75.3%) responded to the questionnaire. Of which, 51 patients (76.1%) were employed within three years prior to surgery (mean age: 29.9 ± 11.8 years; mean follow-up: 54.6 ± 11.9 months) and had an average glenoid bone loss of 14.5% ± 6.1%. Fifty patients (98.0%) returned to work by 2.7 ± 3.0 months postoperatively; forty-five patients (88.2%) patients returned to the same level of occupational intensity. Those who held sedentary, light, moderate, or heavy intensity occupations returned to their previous occupation at a rate of 100.0%, 93.3%, 90.0%, and 66.7% (p=0.2) at a duration of 1.2 ± 1.6 months, 1.8 ± 1.9 months, 3.1 ± 3.5 months, and 6.5 ± 4.1 months (p=0.001), respectively. The average postoperative WOSI score was 70.9 ± 34.2. Fifty patients (98.0%) noted at least “a little improvement” in their quality-of-life following surgery, with 35 patients (68.6%) noting great improvement. Furthermore, 49 patients (96.1%) reported being satisfied with their procedure, with 25 patients (49.0%) reported being very satisfied. Four patients (7.8%) returned to the operating room with one patient (2.0%) requiring arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.
Conclusions
Approximately 98% of patients that underwent latarjet returned to work by 2.7 ± 3.0 months postoperatively. Patients with higher intensity occupations had a longer duration of absence before returning to their preoperative level of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations.
Background
: Evidence suggests that reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) patients receiving workers’ compensation (WC) have worse patient-reported outcomes (PROs) than those not receiving WC. It is unknown whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients also have worse outcomes of RSA. Our goals were to 1) compare PROs and range of motion (ROM) after RSA according to whether patients were receiving SSDI, WC, or neither form of assistance, and 2) identify factors associated with poor PROs.
Methods
: From a US institutional database of 454 patients who underwent RSA from January 2009 through December 2016, we identified 19 SSDI recipients and 25 WC recipients. From the same database, we created a control group of 81 patients not receiving SSDI or WC, matched by demographic variables. Between groups, we compared age, sex, operative arm dominance, preoperative diagnosis, number of previous shoulder surgeries, primary or revision arthroplasty, and Charlson Comorbidity Index value. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively by physical examination, including range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, L'Insalata score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) score. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Clinical relevance of improvements in forward flexion and abduction, VAS for pain, ASES, and SST were evaluated using established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values.
Results
: Both the SSDI and WC groups experienced statistically significant improvements from preoperatively to postoperatively; these improvements exceeded MCID thresholds for forward flexion and abduction, VAS for pain, ASES (except in WC group), and SST score (all, p < 0.05). These outcomes were not significantly different between the SSDI and WC groups. Compared with the control group, both the SSDI and WC groups had statistically significantly worse outcomes for these same measures. The only factor associated with poor clinical outcomes was having undergone ≥2 previous surgical procedures on the same shoulder for which RSA was performed in both SSDI (odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–5.4) and WC (odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–4.5) groups.
Conclusion
: Among RSA patients, SSDI recipients did not have worse clinical outcomes than WC recipients. Having undergone ≥2 previous procedures on the same shoulder was associated with poor outcomes in both groups. These findings should be considered when determining the appropriateness of RSA for SSDI and WC recipients.
Level of evidence
: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study
Purpose
Evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing distal triceps repair (DTR).
Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing DTR from 2009-2017 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of one year postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire, a visual analog scale for pain (VAS-Pain), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (quick-DASH) and a satisfaction survey.
Results
Out of 113 eligible patients who had a DTR, eighty-one patients (71.7%) were contacted. Of which, 74 patients (91.4%) were employed within three years prior to surgery (mean age: 46.0 ± 10.7 years; mean follow-up: 5.9 ± 3.9 years). Sixty-nine patients (93.2%) returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. 66 patients (89.2%) patients were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary, light, medium, or high intensity occupations were able to return to work at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 80.0%, and 76.9% by 0.3 ± 0.5 months, 1.8 ± 1.9 months, 2.5 ± 3.6 months, and 4.8 ± 3.9 months postoperatively. Fifteen (75%) workers compensation (WC) patients returned to work by 6.5 ± 4.3 months postoperatively, while 100% of non-WC patients returned to work by 1.1 ± 1.6 months (p<0.001). Seventy-one patients (95.9%) were at least somewhat satisfied with 50 patients (67.6%) reporting excellent satisfaction. Seventy-two patients (97.3%) would still have the operation again if presented the opportunity. A single patient (1.4%) required revision distal triceps repair.
Conclusions
Approximately 93% of patients that undergo DTR returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. Patients with higher intensity occupations had an equivalent rate of RTW, but took longer to return to their preoperative level of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations.
Purpose:
To assess the timeline of return to work (RTW) following opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with concomitant osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the medial femoral condyle.
Methods:
Consecutive patients undergoing HTO + OCA due to focal chondral deficiency and varus deformity were retrospectively identified and reviewed at a minimum of 2 years following surgery. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, a visual analog scale for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and a satisfaction questionnaire.
Results:
Twenty-eight patients (average age: 36.0 ± 7.9 years) were included at 6.7 ± 4.1 years postoperatively. Twenty-six patients were employed before surgery and 25 patients (96.2%) returned to work following HTO + OCA. However, only 88.5% of patients were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity by 3.5 ± 2.9 months postoperatively. The rate of RTW to the same occupational intensity for sedentary, light, medium, and heavy intensity occupations was 100%, 100%, 88.9%, and 80% (P = .8), whereas the duration of RTW was 9.0 ± 7.1 months, 1.7 ± 1.4 months, 2.7 ± 0.9 months, and 4.2 ± 1.9 months (P = .006), respectively. Two patients (7.7%) underwent knee replacement by 5.3 ± 3.1 years postoperatively due to progression of osteoarthritis in the medial compartment.
Conclusions:
In patients with focal chondral deficiency and varus deformity, HTO + OCA provides a high rate of RTW (96.2%) by 3.5 ± 2.9 months postoperatively. However, patients with greater-intensity occupations may take longer to return to work than those with less physically demanding occupations.
Level of evidence:
IV, Retrospective Case Series.
Background
With the rising incidence of shoulder arthroplasty, there is increasing emphasis on improving functional outcomes and ability to return to work (RTW). The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of RTW after shoulder arthroplasty.
Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search of 4 electronic databases was performed from database conception through April 2018 to identify studies reporting data on RTW after shoulder arthroplasty. The primary outcome was the rate of RTW after shoulder arthroplasty. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the rate of RTW across studies.
Results
Seven studies were reviewed, including 447 patients at an average follow-up of 4.4 years (range, 1.0-12.6 years). The overall rate of RTW was 63.6% (95% confidence interval, 58.8%-68.2%) at a mean 2.3 months postoperatively (range, 0.3-24.0 months). RTW was significantly lower for patients with heavy-intensity occupations vs. all intensity types (61.7% vs. 67.6%; P = .04). RTW did not differ between anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (63.4%) and hemiarthroplasty (66.1%) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (61.5%; P = .53). There were no significant differences in RTW among underlying diagnoses (osteoarthritis, 64.4%; cuff tear arthropathy, 65.6%; proximal humerus fracture, 69.1%; P = .41) or by workers’ compensation status (61.2% vs. 65.3%; P = .41).
Conclusions
A majority of patients return to work after shoulder arthroplasty at an average of 2.3 months postoperatively. Those with heavy-intensity occupation return at significantly lower rates, whereas no differences in RTW by arthroplasty type, underlying diagnosis, or workers’ compensation were found.
Background:
Shoulder arthroplasty in individuals aged 50 years or younger reportedly leads to worse outcomes than in older patients. Current methods of determining survivorship may be inadequate and may not reflect actual patient definitions of satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and contrast the survival of patient satisfaction and implant survival in the youngest reported patients undergoing either a primary hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using a third-generation stemmed prosthesis.
Methods:
Outcomes in 71 patients aged 50 years or younger who were treated with primary HA or TSA were evaluated for patient satisfaction and implant survival rates. Patient satisfaction survival was based on yes or no answers to 2 binary questions regarding willingness to undergo surgery again and whether surgery improved the patient's shoulder.
Results:
The Kaplan-Meier patient satisfaction survival rates at 5 years were 71.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46%-87%) for HAs and 95% (95% CI, 81%-99%) for TSAs. Multivariable regression analysis implicated postoperative pain as the primary causative factor for failure of patient satisfaction in all patients. In contrast, the implant survival rates at 5 years were 89% (95% CI, 69%-96%) for HAs and 95% (CI, 85%-100%) for TSAs.
Conclusions:
Patients aged 50 years or younger who undergo shoulder arthroplasty have declining rates of self-reported satisfaction despite high implant survival rates, and this finding highlights the discordance between patient satisfaction and implant survival. Primary TSA outperforms HA in both implant survival and patient satisfaction survival rates at short-term follow-up. Future studies and registries must incorporate measurements of patient satisfaction and not just revision rates to truly interpret outcomes.
Background:
Shoulder arthroplasty is increasing in the United States. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has emerged as an alternative treatment for end-stage glenohumeral pathology. Until recently, administrative coding practices have not differentiated RSA from traditional total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and thus national procedural volume has been unknown. The purpose of this study was to define the utilization, patient characteristics, indications and complications for RSA, and contrast these to TSA and hemiarthroplasty (HA).
Methods:
The 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) dataset was queried using ICD-9-CM codes to identify patients undergoing RSA, TSA, or HA. We used weighted estimates of national procedure volume, per-capita utilization, patient comorbidities, and inpatient complications denned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and identified them using standard methods described by Elixhauser. ANOVA statistical analysis was used and significance was denned as p value <0.05.
Results:
In 2011, 66,485 patients underwent shoulder arthroplasty; there were 21,692 cases of RSA, 29,359 of TSA, and 15,434 of HA. Utilization of RSA and TSA increased between 2002-2011, and decreased for HA. RSA patients were older (72.7 years vs 67.4 TSA vs 66.8 HA) and more commonly female. Comorbidity burden was highest in patients undergoing HA. Inpatient complications were highest after RSA (p < 0.001). When compared to TSA, RSA was more commonly used in the setting of rotator cuff disease, and posttraumatic sequelae (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
Our findings represent the first national estimates of RSA within the United Sates. RSA is a significant contributor to increasing shoulder arthroplasty utilization nationally representing one-third of arthroplasty cases. Conditions traditionally managed with HA in older populations appear to now be more commonly managed with RSA. RSA is performed on older patients with expanded indications.
Studies evaluating the return to sports and work after shoulder arthroplasty are rare, and there are no studies evaluating return to work after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).
Patients undergoing TSA will be able to return to their preoperative sports levels and occupations.
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
A total of 154 patients with 170 TSAs for primary glenohumeral arthritis were included. Two subgroups were formed: patients who had participated in sports during the 5 years before surgery (group 1; n = 105 [68%]) and patients who had never participated in sports (group 2; n = 49 [32%]). The return-to-work rate in patients who had not retired after surgery were also analyzed, as were responses to a survey.
The mean age at the time of surgery was 71 years (range, 33-88 years) in group 1 and 76 years (range, 54-88 years) in group 2. Mean follow-up time was 6.2 years (range, 2.5-12.6 years). Fifty-seven patients (54%) in group 1 participated in sports right up to the time of surgery. All 57 (100%) returned to sports after surgery. A further 3 patients (3%) from group 1 resumed sporting activity after surgery; swimming was the most popular sport. No patient in group 2 started sports activity after shoulder replacement surgery. Many of the patients, 14% of the entire group, had retired by final follow-up because of TSA. Fourteen percent of patients in group 1 and group 2 were pursuing their work at the time of most recent follow-up. Thirty patients of the entire cohort (19.5%) had to change their occupations because of surgery.
Patients who participated in sports before TSA were successfully able to return to sports activities after surgery. Patients who did not participate in sports just before surgery were unlikely to start sports after surgery. Fourteen percent of the entire cohort was able to return to work after surgery.
© 2014 The Author(s).
The optimal surgical treatment of end-stage primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis remains controversial. The objective of this article is to systematically review the current available literature to formulate evidence-based guidelines for treatment of this pathology with an arthroplasty.
A systematic literature search was performed to identify all articles from 1990 onward that presented data concerning treatment of glenohumeral arthritis with total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or head arthroplasty (HA) with a minimal follow-up of 7 years. The most relevant electronic databases were searched.
After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 18 studies (of the initial 832 hits). The search included a total of 1,958 patients (HA: 316 and TSA: 1,642) with 2,111 shoulders (HA: 328 + TSA: 1,783). The revision rate for any reason in the HA group (13%) was higher than in the TSA group (7%) (P < 0.001). There was a trend of a higher complication rate (of any kind) in the TSA group (12%) when compared with the HA group (8%) (P = 0.065). The weighted mean improvement in anteflexion, exorotation and abduction were respectively 33°, 15° and 31° in the HA group and were respectively 56°, 21° and 48° in the TSA group. Mean decrease in pain scores was 4.2 in the HA and 5.5 in the TSA group.
Finally, we conclude that TSA results in less need for revision surgery, but has a trend to result in more complications. The conclusions of this review should be interpreted with caution as only Level IV studies could be included.
IV.
Introduction:
Expectations of patients requiring total hip replacement have become higher than in the past and are often well beyond pain relief and improved mobility. Return to work and sporting activity are important factors to be considered when advising patients preoperatively. The objective of this study was to analyse the return to sports and work rates in patients still in employment and to analyse potential influencing factors.
Materials and methods:
Patients under the age of 65 who had a total hip replacement performed at a university teaching hospital were identified from the local arthroplasty database and contacted. Pre and postoperative levels of sporting activity and work were recorded. We also recorded the time point at which they returned to these activities.
Results:
285 total hip replacements were carried out on 239 patients. At the time of follow-up 170 of the patients were working. The mean length of time to return to work was 13.9 weeks (SD 7.7). 78 % returned to work without any restrictions, 18.6 % in heavy manual jobs. The mean time taken to return to sports or similar physical activities was 18.8 weeks (SD 8.8) weeks. Those with a lower body mass index returned to work and sporting activities faster.
Conclusions:
Our data show that the majority of patients undergoing total hip replacement can expect to return to work and sporting activities within 4-6 months. Activities at work are often initially limited and physical performance may not fully return to the expected level. Patients with a high body mass index take longer to return to work and sporting activities.
The method of data collection in household health surveys can be a major determinant of cost and data quality. A survey strategy can comprise mail, telephone, or home interview methods, individually or in combination to follow up non-respondents. The purpose of this study in Montreal was to compare cost and data quality of various strategies. Strategies which began with mail or telephone contact, followed by the two other methods, provided response rates as high as a home interview strategy (all between 80 and 90 per cent), for one-half the cost of home interviews when used as the sole method. The telephone response rate was higher than the mail response rate. Comparing different follow-up approaches to strategies beginning with mail or telephone, it proved less costly, and equally effective, to use home interviewing as a last resort for persistent non-respondents. Validity of response (comparing individual responses with records of a government health insurance data bank) and willingness to answer sensitive questions were greatest in mail strategy.
The average retirement age is increasing, and the indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) are being broadened. The goal of the current study was to determine objective findings for rate of return to work and time to return to work after RTSA. The authors performed retrospective data collection for consecutive patients who underwent RTSA at their institution between 2007 and 2013. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about their work history and their ability to participate in work-related activities. A total of 40 patients reported working before surgery. Average patient age was 74.7 years (range, 56-82 years). Average follow-up was 2.6 years (range, 1-4.7 years). Average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 34.0 to 81.7 (P<.001). Average visual analog scale pain score decreased from 6.5 to 0.7 (P<.001). Most patients (65.4%) classified their job as sedentary, 34.6% classified their job as light work, and no patients classified their job as heavy work. Of patients who worked preoperatively, 65% (n=26) returned to work after RTSA. Only a previous diagnosis of heart disease affected return to work (P=.04). Overall, average time to return to work was 2.3 months (range, 0.5-11 months). Patients with sedentary jobs returned to work more quickly (1.4 months) than those with light work (4.0 months). A total of 96.2% of patients reported good to excellent surgical outcomes. Of patients who worked before RTSA, 65% were still working at final follow-up. Only 5% of patients retired for reasons attributed to the operated shoulder. On average, patients returned to work less than 3 months after surgery. [Orthopedics.].
Background:
With an active aging population, more patients expect to return to previous activities and work after surgery.
Purpose:
To determine the rate and timing to return of sports and employment after shoulder hemiarthroplasty.
Study design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent shoulder hemiarthroplasty from 2007 to 2013. Follow-up consisted of a patient-reported questionnaire regarding physical fitness, sporting activities, and work status.
Results:
From 105 patients screened, 79 were available for follow-up. The average follow-up time was 63.1 months, and the average age at follow-up was 69 years. Scores on the visual analog scale for pain improved from 6.2 to 2.1 (P < .001) postoperatively, and those on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder assessment improved from 34.6 to 71.3 (P < .001). Patients older than 65 years had significantly lower absolute postoperative ASES scores (P = .041) but experienced similar improvement from their preoperative baseline (P = .158) compared with patients younger than 65 years. There were 58 patients who played sports preoperatively, and 67.2% of these restarted at least 1 of their previous sports postoperatively. The average time to return to full sports was 6.5 months for those who returned. Direct rates of return were as follows: fitness sports (69%), swimming (65%), running (64%), cycling (63%), and doubles tennis (57%). Younger age was associated with highest demand level achieved (P = .023). Forty-nine patients worked preoperatively, with 69.4% returning to previous employment after surgery; the average time to return to work was 1.4 months. In comparative analysis, patients who did not return to work had a higher mean body mass index (32 ± 7 vs 27 ± 5 kg/m(2); P < .008).
Conclusion:
In this hemiarthroplasty cohort, there was a 67.2% rate of return to 1 or more sports at an average of 6.5 months postoperatively. Patients older than 65 years experienced similar improvements in ASES scores compared with patients younger than 65 years, although absolute scores were lower on average. Those who returned to higher demand sports were younger on average. Of patients working preoperatively, 69.4% returned to their previous employment at an average of 1.4 months. Patients who did not return to employment had significantly higher body mass index on average. These findings will help surgeons manage expectations of shoulder hemiarthroplasty candidates preoperatively.
Studies have demonstrated that receiving workers' compensation (WC) benefits can be a negative predictor of outcomes after orthopedic procedures. This study compares postoperative outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) between patients receiving WC benefits and a control group that did not.
A cohort of 13 consecutive TSA patients with WC benefits were compared with a control group of 63 consecutive patients with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up during the same period. Patient demographics, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, return to work status, and time out of work were evaluated.
The WC TSA cohort consisted of 13 men and no women with a mean age of 55.9 years. Twelve of the 13 were laborers. The TSA control group consisted of 36 men and 27 women with a mean age of 63.2 years (P = .01). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores at final follow-up were significantly lower in the WC cohort (73.6) compared with the control group (86.6; P = .01). However, the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summary scores were not significantly different (P = .09 and P = .6). Only 4 of the 13 WC patients returned to work.
Compared with a non-WC population, patients with WC who received an anatomic TSA are more likely to be male, younger, and a laborer. Outcomes are generally excellent and better than those of other WC shoulder surgery cohorts in the literature; however, the outcomes are relatively worse than in the non-WC TSA patients. A significant number of WC patients are unable to return to work after TSA.
Copyright © 2015 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Background:
The outcomes of shoulder arthroplasties in younger patients (55 years or younger) are not as reliable compared with those of the general population. Greater risk of revision and higher complication rates in younger patients present direct costs to the healthcare system and indirect costs to the patient in terms of quality of life. Previous studies have suggested an increased demand for shoulder arthroplasties overall, but to our knowledge, the demand in younger patients has not been explored.
Questions/purposes:
We asked: (1) What was the demand for shoulder arthroplasties between 2002 and 2011 in the United States for all patients and a specific subpopulation of patients who were 55 years old or younger? (2) How is the demand for shoulder arthroplasties in younger patients projected to change through 2030? (3) How is procedural demand projected to change in younger patients through 2030, and specifically, what can we anticipate in terms of hemiarthroplasty volume compared with that of total shoulder arthroplasty?
Methods:
We used the National Inpatient Sample database to identify primary shoulder arthroplasties performed between 2002 and 2011. A Poisson regression model was developed using the National Inpatient Sample data and United States Census Bureau projections on future population changes to predict estimated national demand for total shoulder arthroplasties and hemiarthroplasties in all patients and in the subpopulation 55 years old or younger. This model was projected until 2030, with associated 95% CIs. We then specifically analyzed the projected demand of hemiarthroplasties and compared this with demand for all arthroplasty procedures in the younger patient population.
Results:
Demand for shoulder arthroplasties in patients 55 years or younger is increasing at a rate of 8.2% per year (95% CI, 7.06%-9.35%), compared with a growth rate of 12.1% (95% CI, 8.35%-16.02%) per year for patients older than 55 years. In 2002, 15.9% (3587 of 22,617 captured in the National Inpatient Sample) of primary shoulder arthroplasties were performed in patients 55 years old or younger. In 2011, the relative size of the younger patient population had decreased to 11.0% (7001 of 63,784) of all recipients of shoulder arthroplasties. The demand for primary shoulder arthroplasties among younger patients is projected to increase by 333.3% (95% CI, 257.0%-432.5%) from 2011 to 2030. However, in patients older than 55 years demand is projected to increase by 755.4% (95% CI, 380.7%-1511.1%). Therefore, despite the increased predicted demand for shoulder arthroplasties in younger patients, they are predicted to account for only 4% of all recipients by 2030. The rate of hemiarthroplasties in patients 55 years or younger showed a 16.5% decline per year (95% CI, 16.1%-17.1%) from 2002 (53.6% of all arthroplasties) to 2011 (34.2% of all arthroplasties). By 2030, hemiarthroplasties are projected to account for only 23.5% of all shoulder arthroplasties in patients 55 years or younger.
Conclusions:
The demand for shoulder arthroplasties in younger patients continues to increase in the United States; however, rates of hemiarthroplasties are declining. The demand has substantial implications for future revision arthroplasties, which include the direct healthcare costs of revision arthroplasty, the indirect societal burden of missed productivity owing to time away from work, and the increased burden of the need for qualified surgeons to meet the demand. Despite the increasing rate of arthroplasties performed in younger patients, current and projected demands remain greater for older patients, indicating a disproportionately greater need for shoulder arthroplasties in older patients. This is in contrast to the trends observed in the literature regarding hip and knee arthroplasties that show projected demands to be greater in younger patients. Factors responsible for the difference in demand require further investigation but may be related to changing indications, reported poorer outcomes in younger patients, the increased popularity of reverse shoulder arthroplasties in the elderly, or the evolution of nonarthroplasty options.
Level of evidence:
Level III, prognostic study.
Background:
The substantial increase in the utilization of shoulder arthroplasty in the United States during the past decade is partly attributable to the growing acceptance of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This study compared the national utilization of and indications for shoulder hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and RSA.
Methods:
The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed in the United States in 2011. Indicating diagnoses, demographics, and hospital characteristics were identified for each shoulder arthroplasty procedure. Multivariable regression identified factors associated with long hospital stays.
Results:
An estimated 66,485 shoulder arthroplasty procedures were identified (33% RSA, 44% TSA, and 23% hemiarthroplasty). Common diagnoses for RSA were rotator cuff tear and arthritis (80%) and proximal humerus fracture (10%). TSA was performed for osteoarthritis in 93% of cases. Hemiarthroplasty was performed for osteoarthritis (45%) and proximal humerus fracture (38%). One quarter of proximal humerus fractures treated with arthroplasty received RSA compared with 69.8% that underwent hemiarthroplasty. Mortality occurred in 0.08% of patients with atraumatic diagnoses but in 0.53% of patients with proximal humerus fractures (P < .001). Older patients with comorbidities often had longer hospital stays, as did those with government insurance.
Conclusions:
RSAs accounted for one third of all shoulder arthroplasty procedures in the United States in 2011. Whereas the majority of RSAs are performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy, one quarter of proximal humerus fractures are treated with RSA, suggesting the strong uptake of this relatively new procedure in the United States.
Background:
The effect of workers' compensation claims on outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes after RSA in patients with a workers' compensation claim and to compare them with a control group without a workers' compensation claim.
Methods:
We identified 14 primary RSAs completed in patients with a workers' compensation claim and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up in a prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry. Fourteen patients without a workers' compensation claim served as the age-, gender-, and diagnosis-matched control group. The Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, mobility, and the patient's satisfaction were assessed for both groups preoperatively and at final follow-up.
Results:
There were no differences between the groups regarding patient demographics, duration of follow-up, complications, preoperative shoulder function scores, or preoperative mobility (P > .05). Both groups significantly improved on all shoulder function scores and for mobility from preoperative to final follow-up (all P < .001); however, the workers' compensation group had significantly worse Constant (P = .002), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (P = .003), and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (P = .001) scores. Only 57% of the workers' compensation group reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied at final follow-up compared with 93% in the control group. The workers' compensation group had a lower return to work rate (14.2% vs 41.7%), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = .117).
Conclusion:
Patients with a workers' compensation claim had significant improvements after RSA, but they achieved significantly worse outcomes compared with the control group.
The number of total shoulder arthroplasties performed in the United States increased slightly between 1990 and 2000. However, the incidence of shoulder arthroplasty in recent years has not been well described. The purpose of the present study was to examine recent trends in shoulder hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty along with the common reasons for these surgical procedures in the United States.
We modeled the incidence of shoulder arthroplasty from 1993 to 2008 with use of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. On the basis of hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty cases that were identified with use of surgical procedure codes, we conducted a design-based analysis to calculate national estimates.
While the annual number of hemiarthroplasties grew steadily, the number of total shoulder arthroplasties showed a discontinuous jump (p < 0.01) in 2004 and increased with a steeper linear slope (p < 0.01) since then. As a result, more total shoulder arthroplasties than hemiarthroplasties have been performed annually since 2006. Approximately 27,000 total shoulder arthroplasties and 20,000 hemiarthroplasties were performed in 2008. More than two-thirds of total shoulder arthroplasties were performed in adults with an age of sixty-five years or more. Osteoarthritis was the primary diagnosis for 43% of hemiarthroplasties and 77% of total shoulder arthroplasties in 2008, with fracture of the humerus as the next most common primary diagnosis leading to hemiarthroplasty.
The number of shoulder arthroplasties, particularly total shoulder arthroplasties, is growing faster than ever. The use of reverse total arthroplasty, which was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in November 2003, may be part of the reason for the greater increase in the number of total shoulder arthroplasties. A long-term follow-up study is warranted to evaluate total shoulder arthroplasty in terms of patient outcomes, safety, and implant longevity.
The younger patient with glenohumeral arthritis presents a challenge because of concerns about activity and frequency of failure. The purpose of this study was to define the results, complications, and frequency of revision surgery in this group.
Between 1986 and 2005, 46 total shoulder arthroplasties and 20 hemiarthroplasties were performed in 63 patients who were aged 55 years or younger and had chronic shoulder pain due to glenohumeral osteoarthritis. All 63 patients had complete preoperative evaluation, operative records, and minimum 2-year follow-up (mean, 7.0 years) or follow-up until revision.
Nine shoulders underwent a revision operation. The implant survival rate was 92% (95% confidence interval, 77%-100%) at 10 years for total shoulder arthroplasty and 72% (95% confidence interval, 54%-97%) for hemiarthroplasty (Kaplan-Meier result). Patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty had less pain (P = .01), greater active elevation (P = .05), and higher satisfaction (P = .05) at final follow-up compared with those who underwent hemiarthroplasty. Complete radiographs were available for 47 arthroplasties with a minimum 2-year follow-up or follow-up until revision (mean, 6.6 years). More than minor glenoid periprosthetic lucency or a shift in component position was present in 10 of 34 total shoulder arthroplasties. Moderate to severe glenoid erosion was present in 6 of 13 hemiarthroplasties.
This study indicates that there is intermediate- to long-term pain relief and improvement in motion with shoulder arthroplasty in young patients with osteoarthritis. These results favor total shoulder arthroplasty in terms of pain relief, motion, and implant survival.
The optimal choice for the treatment of end-stage primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis remains controversial, with alternatives including total shoulder replacement (TSR) and humeral head replacement (HHR). The objective of this review was to analyze the effect of TSR compared with HHR on rates of pain relief, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and revision surgery in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. We searched computerized databases for clinical studies published between 1966 and 2004 that reported on shoulder replacement for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Pain data were converted to a 100-point score. Outcome assessment data were pooled when possible, and analyses via normal test statistics were performed. We identified 23 studies, with a total of 1952 patients and mean follow-up of 43.4 months (range, 30-116.4 months). The mean level of evidence was 3.73. Among the 23 studies, 7 different outcome instruments were used. Of the 23 studies, 14 (n = 1185) reported pain relief, 15 (n = 1080) reported range of motion, 12 (n = 969) reported patient satisfaction, and 14 (n = 1474) reported revision surgery. Compared with HHR, TSR provided significantly greater pain relief (P < .0001), forward elevation (P < .0001), gain in forward elevation (P < .0001), gain in external rotation (P = .0002), and patient satisfaction (P < .0001). Furthermore, only 6.5% of all TSRs required revision surgery, which was significantly lower than the percentage for all patients undergoing HHR (10.2%) (P < .025). Only 1.7% of all-polyethylene glenoid components required revision. On the basis of this review and analysis, in comparison with HHR, TSR for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis significantly improves pain relief, range of motion, and satisfaction and has a significantly lower rate of revision surgery. Inconsistent outcome reporting and poor study design may warrant standardization of outcome instruments and improved study design in the future.
Americans settling on older retirement age
- R Riffkin
- Riffkin R