Return to Recreational Sporting Activities Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Authors:

Peter J. Millett, MD, MSc, Sandeep Mannava, MD, Ph.D., Marilee P. Horan, MPH, Salvatore J. Frangiamore, MD, MS, Zaamin B. Hussain, BA, Erik M. Fritz, MD, Jonathan A. Godin, MD, MBA, and Jonas Pogorzelski, MD, MHBA,

Abstract:

Background:

Patients are staying active longer and expect to return to sports or continue participating in recreational activities after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of patients to return to recreational sports following TSA. We hypothesized that TSA would allow a high rate of return to recreational sports.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All patients who underwent primary TSA by a single surgeon and were at least 2 years out from surgery were included and were studied for their ability to return to recreational activity following surgery between December 2005 and January 2015. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained, including the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey–Physical Component Summary (SF-12 PCS); Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; and satisfaction scores (10-point scale), preoperatively and at a minimum of2 years postoperatively. Return-to-sport rates were assessed using a standardized patient-reported outcome questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 165 patients (186 shoulders) that received TSA met the inclusion criteria for the study. Preoperatively, 139patients (157 shoulders) were involved in recreational sports; 16 (8.6%) shoulders required additional surgical intervention after the index TSA procedure. A significant postoperative increase was noted in the mean ASES (from 48.3 to 87.0;P<.001), QuickDASH(from 41.0 to 15.8;P<.001), SANE (from 49.1 to 81.2;P<.001), and SF-12 PCS scores (from 38.6 to 48.9;P¼.004). Of the 157shoulders in the recreational sports cohort, responses to the survey examining recreational sporting activities after surgery were available for 112 shoulders. The overall rate of return to sport or recreational activity following TSA was 93.7% (105/112 shoulders). The rate of return to recreational sporting activity equal to or better than the preinjury level was 69.7% (78/112 shoulders), while6.3% (7/112 shoulders) of our cohort reported that they were unable to compete in recreational sports following TSA. Of the patients who participated in predominantly upper extremity sporting activities after TSA, 49% had to modify their postoperative recreational sporting activity because of lifestyle change, pain, weakness, or decreased range of motion.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing TSA showed excellent postoperative improvement in their outcome scores, satisfaction, and return to athletic activities. Despite the expected decrease in activity levels with the slow progression of osteoarthritis over time until TSA was performed, almost 94% of patients successfully returned to various recreational sporting activities postoperatively. This study showed that return to recreational sports can be achieved at participation levels that are comparable with preoperative levels, but athletes in some sports such as tennis or swimming, which require more intense levels of exercise, are less likely to return to the same participation levels.

For the complete study: Return to Recreational Sporting Activities Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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