Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients 85 years and older is safe, effective, and durable

• Published in: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery 2022-11, Vol.31 (11), p.2287-2297
• Main Authors: Almasri, Mahmoud, Kohrs, Brandon, Fleckenstein, Cassie M., Nolan, Joseph, Wendt, Abby, Hasan, Samer S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 85 years old; 90 years old; complications; elderly; outcomes; Reverse shoulder arthroplasty; survivorship
• ISSN: 1058-2746; 1532-6500
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2022.03.024

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) was originally indicated for older adults, but outcomes in the oldest patients have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to report on patients aged ≥85 years undergoing RSA. We hypothesized that RSA would be safe, effective, and durable. Sixty-one RSAs were performed in 58 patients aged ≥85 years (16 patients aged ≥90 years); 40 RSAs were performed for arthritis with cuff deficiency, 14 were performed for proximal humeral fractures, and 7 were performed as revisions. Active range of motion and patient-reported outcomes, comprising the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and visual analog scale pain score, were obtained preoperatively and at final follow-up. Hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and complications were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was computed with revision surgery or death as an endpoint. The mean age at RSA was 88.0 years. Mean forward elevation improved from 50.5° to 105.3°; abduction, from 48.7° to 96.1°; and external rotation, from 10.2° to 26.9° (P