What Are the Determinants for RTW After SA

Overview

Shoulder arthroplasty is becoming increasingly common, due to ageing of the population. Historically, surgeons have been reluctant to use a shoulder replacement in younger patients. During the last decades however, there was an improvement of surgical techniques and implants which resulted in the fact that these procedures are nowadays more frequently used in younger patients. Combined with the increasing life expectancy and the increased age of retirement, both elderly and younger patients hope to continue their jobs after prosthetic replacement. Recent literature shows that the majority patients is able to resume their work following shoulder arthroplasty. This study aims to analyze the RTW percentage in a Belgian cohort of patients with a shoulder replacement. This study hopes to identify factors that might influence the RTW.

Shoulder arthroplasty is becoming increasingly common, due to ageing of the population. Historically, surgeons have been reluctant to use a shoulder replacement in younger patients, due to the high incidence of complications and the limited longevity of the implant. Therefore, this type of surgery remained reserved for the elderly patients. During the last decades however, improvement of surgical techniques and implants have made it possible to expand the indications for anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA), humeral head hemi-arthroplasty (HHA) and reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), resulting in significant improvements in range of motion, functional outcomes, quality of life and reported pain scores. As a result, these procedures are nowadays more frequently used in younger patients. Combined with the increasing life expectancy and the increased age of retirement, both elderly and younger patients hope to continue their jobs after prosthetic replacement. Recent literature shows that the majority patients is able to resume their work following shoulder arthroplasty. This study aims to analyze the RTW percentage in a Belgian cohort of patients with a shoulder replacement. This study hopes to identify factors that might influence the RTW. An enhanced understanding of this social, medical and economic issue will enable surgeons to give more tailored advice to their patients regarding RTW after shoulder replacement surgery and accordingly reduce the economic burden on Belgian society.