Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life of Patients After Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background: With an increasingly large number of patients undergoing hemi and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), there is a greater need to better understand the underlying factors associated with patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to assess patient-reported outcome scores and satisfaction rates at midterm follow-up.

Methods: Outcomes of 321 patients, mean age 69.4years who were treated in our institution between 2004-2010 with primary HA or TSA were evaluated. The ASES and DASH scores were used for subjective outcome evaluation, while the health-related quality of life was examined with the SF-12 form.

Results: Of the 321 patients, 37 died and 96 refused to participate. Final evaluation included 190 patients (117 women).Indications for the surgery included fractures (51%), osteoarthritis (30%), Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy (19%). Mean ASES score was 45.78 (±23.5), mean DASH 45(±23.9), SF 12 mental score was 69.9(±19.2) and SF12 physical 70.1(±18.9).

Conclusions: HA and TSA outcomes in the elderly are good in terms of function, satisfaction and quality of life recovery. Our study confirms that HA and TSA represent a proper treatment modality for end-stage shoulder disease in the advanced age population.