This study followed a Grammont-style reverse total shoulder arthroplasty cohort to a minimum of 10 years. It reports long-term Constant scores, range of motion, scapular notching, complications, and Kaplan-Meier implant survival. The same patients had earlier medium-term outcomes reported, allowing direct comparison over time.
When you counsel a patient for reverse shoulder arthroplasty, separate two ideas: the implant lasts, but function does not stay at its peak.
This cohort shows 93% survival at 10 years alongside a real, statistically significant drop in Constant score from the medium-term result. That decline is driven by strength and elevation, not pain, which the authors attribute to deltoid senescence under the nonphysiological load of a medialized center of rotation.
Etiology is the practical lever. Cuff tear arthropathy and primary OA hold up well, while failed prior arthroplasty and posttraumatic arthritis land at a Constant score of only 45 with poorer elevation.
Use this to set expectations and to be cautious about offering RTSA to younger patients, since decline was seen even in those operated before age 76. Scapular notching is common and progresses, but by itself did not worsen clinical scores in this series.
This study followed a Grammont-style reverse total shoulder arthroplasty cohort to a minimum of 10 years. It reports long-term Constant scores, range of motion, scapular notching, complications, and Kaplan-Meier implant survival. The same patients had earlier medium-term outcomes reported, allowing direct comparison over time.
When you counsel a patient for reverse shoulder arthroplasty, separate two ideas: the implant lasts, but function does not stay at its peak.
This cohort shows 93% survival at 10 years alongside a real, statistically significant drop in Constant score from the medium-term result. That decline is driven by strength and elevation, not pain, which the authors attribute to deltoid senescence under the nonphysiological load of a medialized center of rotation.
Etiology is the practical lever. Cuff tear arthropathy and primary OA hold up well, while failed prior arthroplasty and posttraumatic arthritis land at a Constant score of only 45 with poorer elevation.
Use this to set expectations and to be cautious about offering RTSA to younger patients, since decline was seen even in those operated before age 76. Scapular notching is common and progresses, but by itself did not worsen clinical scores in this series.