Outcome of a metaphyseal reverse total shoulder replacement in rheumatoid arthritis

Aim To assess the clinical and radiological results of a metaphyseal reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) without diaphyseal stem, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods Forty-five shoulders in 36 consecutive RA patients (2005–2015) underwent rTSA with a bone impaction technique. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically preoperatively, at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months post-operatively, and yearly thereafter, using constant score (CS), pain score, subjective shoulder value (SSV) and patient satisfaction score. Results Forty-four shoulders with mean follow-up of 67 months (range 24 m-146 m (12y)) were available for follow-up. Mean age at surgery was 68.7 years (range 39–86). CS improved from 17.5 ± 10.5(SD) (age/sex adjusted 23.9 ± 14.5(SD)) preoperatively to 60.9 ± 17.4 (SD) (age/sex adjusted 86.5 ± 24.5 (SD)) at last follow-up ( P