Does more “normal” shoulder motion after arthroplasty improve patient satisfaction?: Correlation of range of motion, patient-reported function,and patient satisfaction following shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract

Objective and Hypothesis The goals of this study are to address the following questions regarding shoulder arthroplasty (TSA): (a) Does restoring range of motion (ROM) lead to increased patient satisfaction? (b) How is ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs) influenced by ROM? (c) How does ADL performance correlate with patient satisfaction? We hypothesize that more “normal” ROM following TSA leads to increased patient satisfaction and better performance of ADLs. Methods Patients who underwent TSA, reverse TSA, hemiarthroplasty, or humeral head resurfacing were prospectively enrolled in a shoulder arthroplasty registry. 155 patients who had preoperative and 6 month postoperative data for ROM, patient satisfaction, and performance of ADLs were included in the study. Results Of these 155 shoulders, the response rate for patient satisfaction was only 82 (52.9%), with 96.8% reporting they were “satisfied or “very satisfied”. Postoperative ROM was associated with patient satisfaction for forward flexion, adduction, and external rotation. This association demonstrated a “dose;response” relationship, as higher percentage of normal ROM correlated with higher satisfaction. Mean ADL scores were higher for patients who achieved normal ROM in each plane of motion. The greatest improvement in mean ADL score occurred when a patient achieved normal ROM for at least 3 of 5 measurements. There was also a significant association between improved ADL and higher patient satisfaction. Significance Glenohumeral arthrosis causes considerable morbidity, and rates of shoulder arthroplasty are increasing. As the predominant goals of TSA are pain relief and restoration of ROM, it is important to assess postoperative patient satisfaction. While most historic studies have focused on measures of implant performance, interest is increasing in patient-centered outcomes. Both objective and subjective outcomes should be included in future large multicenter registries. Data collected from these registries has the potential to substantially improve success rates and longevity of shoulder arthroplasty.