Artropatia do Manguito

Patients › Shoulder

Rotator cuff arthropathy: shoulder arthritis following a long-standing, massive rotator cuff tear and its impact on function.

Updated Jun 2026
Uma ilustração desenhada à mão de uma pessoa idosa sem rosto, lutando para levantar o braço para o lado devido à dor no ombro.
Artropatia do manguito rotador: artrite após um descolamento do manguito rotador de longa data. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página foi traduzida automaticamente e ainda não foi verificada por um médico. A versão em inglês é a versão oficial.

O que você está sentindo

Você pode sentir dor no ombro que piora ao levantar o braço ou alcançar acima da cabeça. Esta condição envolve artrite por desgaste na articulação do ombro combinada com uma ruptura do manguito rotador. Como os músculos do manguito não conseguem estabilizar a articulação, a parte superior do osso do braço pode se deslocar para cima. Esse movimento causa atrito, rigidez e dor latejante. A dor frequentemente se intensifica à noite, dificultando o sono de lado. Você também pode notar aumento do desconforto após atividades diárias ou ao acordar pela manhã.

Tarefas simples podem tornar-se difíceis ou impossíveis. Você pode ter dificuldade em alcançar as costas para fechar um sutiã ou guardar uma camisa. Levantar objetos parece pesado e instável. Seu ombro pode parecer fraco, e você pode evitar usá-lo para prevenir a dor. Essa declínio funcional ocorre porque o manguito rompido não consegue mais suportar o movimento normal. Com o tempo, a artrite progride, levando a maior perda de movimento e força.

Se você ainda não teve cirurgia, seu cirurgião pode recomendar tratamentos não cirúrgicos primeiro, especialmente se sua doença for moderada ou leve. Essas opções visam reduzir a dor e melhorar a função. No entanto, se sua artrite for grave, a cirurgia pode ser necessária. Para muitos pacientes com um manguito rotador intacto, a substituição total anatômica do ombro é a opção preferida e menos custosa. Ela oferece benefícios semelhantes aos da substituição total reversa do ombro nos primeiros anos.

Se o seu manguito rotador estiver rompido, pode ser recomendada uma substituição total reversa do ombro. Este procedimento tornou-se mais comum para este tipo específico de artrite. Ele oferece benefício clínico substancial para a maioria dos pacientes. De fato, mais de 90% dos pacientes que passam por esta cirurgia para artrite com um manguito intacto relatam melhora significativa. Mesmo com um manguito rompido, muitos pacientes experimentam uma mudança clinicamente importante em sua função diária. Seu cirurgião ajudará você a decidir qual abordagem é melhor para sua anatomia específica e níveis de dor.

O que está realmente acontecendo

Seu ombro é uma articulação do tipo bola e soquete. A bola é a parte superior do seu úmero. O soquete está localizado na sua escápula. Uma cartilagem lisa cobre ambas as superfícies. Ela atua como um amortecedor para que os ossos deslizem facilmente.

Na artropatia do manguito rotador, esse sistema se deteriora. É provável que você tenha osteoartrite por desgaste. Isso significa que a cartilagem se desgastou. Ao mesmo tempo, os tendões do manguito rotador estão rompidos ou danificados. Esses tendões funcionam como cordas que mantêm a bola dentro do soquete. Sem eles, a bola fica posicionada muito alta. Ela atrita contra a escápula. Isso causa dor e limita seu movimento.

Seu corpo tenta compensar. Sua escápula se move de maneiras complexas para ajudá-lo a levantar o braço. Ela gira em direções opostas antes mesmo de você começar a elevar o braço. Isso altera o ritmo normal do seu ombro. A escápula realiza mais trabalho do que deveria. Esse movimento extra pode levar a um desgaste adicional ao longo do tempo.

A saúde muscular também desempenha um papel fundamental. A gordura pode se acumular dentro dos músculos do manguito rotador. Essa infiltração gordurosa enfraquece os músculos. Ela reduz sua força mesmo que o tendão ainda esteja intacto. Esse desequilíbrio torna a articulação menos estável. Também afeta a propriocepção, ou seja, a capacidade de sentir a posição do seu braço no espaço.

Seu cirurgião avalia essas alterações para planejar seu tratamento. Ele pode utilizar uma radiografia chamada vista axilar. Isso mostra a anatomia da articulação com clareza. Ela utiliza menos radiação do que uma tomografia computadorizada. Ela ajuda seu cirurgião a visualizar como os ossos se deslocaram.

Compreender esse dano ajuda a explicar seus sintomas. A dor decorre do atrito de osso contra osso. A fraqueza resulta de tendões e músculos danificados. A rigidez é uma tentativa do corpo de estabilizar a articulação. Saber o que está acontecendo permite que seu cirurgião escolha o tratamento adequado. Isso pode envolver a substituição das superfícies articulares para restaurar o movimento suave.

O que podemos fazer a respeito

Começamos com autocuidado e fisioterapia. As modalidades não operativas são o primeiro passo para a maioria dos pacientes, especialmente aqueles com doença moderada a leve. Seu fisioterapeuta irá guiá-lo por meio de exercícios para manter a mobilidade e fortalecer os músculos ao redor do seu ombro. Esta abordagem ajuda a maioria dos pacientes a controlar a dor de condições como problemas na articulação acromioclavicular. Se você tem osteólise, pode ser necessário modificar certas atividades para evitar maior irritação. Dê uma chance justa a este manejo conservador antes de considerar opções mais invasivas.

Se as medidas simples não forem suficientes, avaliamos o manejo médico. Para pacientes com 60 anos ou mais com artropatia do manguito rotador, podemos oferecer um espaçador balão subacromial. Isso envolve a inserção percutânea de um pequeno balão no espaço acima da articulação do ombro. Este procedimento resulta em uma redução significativa da dor. No entanto, não melhora a função em um acompanhamento mínimo de 1 ano. O espaçador subacromial provavelmente oferece uma opção segura, eficaz e custo-efetiva para pacientes com lesões maciças e irreparáveis do manguito rotador. Também consideramos medicamentos para dor e anti-inflamatórios para ajudar no controle dos sintomas enquanto você cicatriza ou recupera a força.

A cirurgia é considerada quando o tratamento conservativo atingiu seu limite. Se sua dor permanecer severa ou sua função estiver significativamente limitada, discutimos a artroplastia, ou substituição da articulação. A escolha entre a artroplastia total do ombro anatómica e a artroplastia total reversa do ombro depende da saúde do seu manguito rotador e da condição dos ossos da articulação. A artroplastia total do ombro anatómica permanece como a abordagem preferida para pacientes com artrite de manguito intacto. A artroplastia total reversa do ombro é popular para casos envolvendo lesões do manguito rotador ou deformidades ósseas específicas. Mais de 90% dos pacientes que submetem-se à artroplastia total reversa do ombro para osteoartrite glenoumeral com manguito rotador intacto experimentam benefício clínico substancial. Seu cirurgião selecionará a opção que melhor se adapta à sua anatomia e objetivos.

O que esperar

O seu prognóstico depende em grande parte de o seu manguito rotador estar intacto ou rompido. Se o manguito estiver saudável, tanto as artroplastias anatômicas quanto as reversas oferecem resultados semelhantes aos quatro anos. Mais de 90% dos pacientes com o manguito intacto experimentam benefício clínico substancial. Você pode esperar alívio significativo da dor e melhora da função.

Se o manguito estiver rompido, a artroplastia reversa do ombro permanece como a opção preferencial. Ela proporciona resultados ótimos com baixas taxas de complicações a curto prazo. A maioria dos pacientes observa melhora notável logo no início. No entanto, deve-se notar que a rotação interna e externa podem ser ligeiramente menores do que com a artroplastia anatômica. O seu cirurgião ponderará esses fatores para escolher o melhor caminho para você.

A recuperação é um processo gradual. É necessária uma melhora de pelo menos nove pontos na sua pontuação do ombro para sentir uma mudança clinicamente importante. Uma melhora de vinte e três pontos sinaliza um benefício substancial. Esses ganhos geralmente se estabilizam ao longo de meses. O sucesso a longo prazo é alto, com a reconstrução de ponte apresentando uma taxa de sobrevida de 98% aos sete anos.

Sem tratamento, a dor e a rigidez frequentemente persistem ou pioram. Deixar a condição sem tratamento raramente leva à melhora espontânea. Você pode achar que as tarefas diárias se tornam cada vez mais difíceis. A intervenção cirúrgica oferece um caminho claro para restaurar a função e reduzir a dor.

Esteja ciente de que cirurgias anteriores no ombro podem aumentar os riscos. Um histórico de reparo prévio do manguito rotador aumenta a chance de infecção após a artroplastia. Nestes casos, o seu cirurgião o considerará um paciente de maior risco. Um planejamento cuidadoso é essencial para garantir um resultado seguro e bem-sucedido.

Quando procurar ajuda

Consulte o seu médico de família se tiver dor no ombro persistente que não melhora com o repouso. Solicite uma avaliação especializada se notar fraqueza, instabilidade ou uma sensação de bloqueio ou cedência. Estes sintomas podem indicar artropatia por rotura do manguito rotador, que envolve artrose por desgaste e lesão dos músculos estabilizadores do ombro. Procure atendimento se os seus sintomas interferirem com o sono ou com o trabalho. A piora súbita da dor ou da função também é motivo para consultar o seu cirurgião. Uma avaliação precoce ajuda a determinar se os tratamentos não cirúrgicos são suficientes ou se é necessária cirurgia.


Evidence & references

Overview

  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) utilization has increased due to more RTSAs performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy and expanding surgical indications for RTSA [1].
  • Primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and rTSA patients with osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff with no previous history of shoulder surgery had similar clinical and radiographic outcomes at a mean of 41 months follow-up [2].
  • Patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy who undergo primary conventional total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty experience a clinically important change with at least a nine-point improvement in their American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score [3].
  • Patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy who undergo primary conventional total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty experience a substantial clinical benefit with at least a 23-point improvement in their ASES score [3].
  • There is no clear consensus for the optimal arthroplasty option in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff [4].
  • In patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is favored to hemiarthroplasty (HA) in terms of clinical outcome, risk of revision surgery, and postoperative complications [6].
  • Reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides optimal outcomes with low complication rates across a short term of follow-up for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff [7].
  • In patients with rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis with no bone loss, treatment with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty demonstrated similar improvements compared to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty except for less improvement in abduction [9].
  • Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty remains the preferred and less costly approach for the majority of patients with cuff-intact arthritis [10].
  • More studies critically analyzing the value of health-care expenditures are needed in shoulder arthroplasty [10].
  • Over 90% of patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff experienced substantial clinical benefit [15].
  • Knowledge of the array of shoulder prostheses currently available and the indications for each, as well as the use of treatment algorithms, can lead to optimized patient outcomes [17].
  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is popular for indications beyond rotator cuff-tear arthropathy despite concerns regarding high complication rates and limited implant longevity [28].
  • The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS) is recommended for continued use in shoulder arthroplasty registries and observational studies [30].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Scapulothoracic motion is more complex in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy than previously reported, featuring a dynamically changing scapulohumeral rhythm [5].
  • Patients with rotator cuff arthropathy exhibit counter-directed scapular rotation before clinically visible arm elevation [5].
  • The scapulothoracic contribution to overall shoulder movement is significantly increased in patients with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with a healthy shoulder [34].
  • Scapular kinematics in patients with shoulder arthroplasty are influenced by the implementation of external loads, but not by the type of load [33].
  • MR imaging-derived rotator cuff muscle proton density fat-fraction is associated with isometric strength independent of muscle atrophy and tendon rupture in shoulders with early and advanced degenerative changes [31].
  • Imbalance in axial-plane rotator cuff fatty infiltration occurs in posteriorly worn glenoids in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis [44].
  • These imbalances in fatty infiltration may contribute to higher rates of failure after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with posterior wear compared with those with concentric wear [44].
  • Performing shoulder arthroplasty did not positively affect the component of proprioception evaluated by the active angle-reproduction test [47].
  • The axillary view provides a practical method of characterizing glenohumeral anatomy before and after surgery that is less costly and exposes the patient to less radiation than a CT scan [45].
  • The medial margin of the scapula demonstrated the best intraobserver and interobserver reliability for assessing glenoid component inclination compared with other landmarks when the scapula is tilted [48].

Classification

  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is characterized by rotator cuff insufficiency [22].
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy involves degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint [22].
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is associated with superior migration of the humeral head [22].
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy represents a spectrum of shoulder pathology [22].
  • Scapulothoracic motion in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy is more complex than previously reported [5].
  • Patients with rotator cuff arthropathy exhibit a dynamically changing scapulohumeral rhythm [5].
  • Patients with rotator cuff arthropathy demonstrate counter-directed scapular rotation before clinically visible arm elevation [5].

Clinical Presentation

  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is characterized by rotator cuff insufficiency, degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint, and superior migration of the humeral head [22].
  • Scapulothoracic motion in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy involves a dynamically changing scapulohumeral rhythm and counter-directed scapular rotation before clinically visible arm elevation [5].
  • Rotator cuff repairs fail at an alarmingly high rate during long-term follow-up, particularly in cases with advanced fatty infiltration, atrophy, and large-to-massive tear size [26].
  • Rotator cuff repair failure leads to functional deterioration and progression of glenohumeral arthritis [26].
  • Osteoarthritis patients undergo contralateral shoulder arthroplasty sooner than cuff tear arthropathy patients [11].
  • Osteoarthritis patients with radiographic changes on the contralateral shoulder prior to the first surgery undergo contralateral arthroplasty sooner than those without such changes [11].
  • Nonoperative modalities should be utilized before surgical options for shoulder osteoarthritis, particularly for patients with moderate-to-mild disease [27].
  • Surgical treatments like arthroplasty are considered effective for severe cases of shoulder osteoarthritis [27].
  • The optimal treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in patients ≤ 50 years of age remains controversial, with many treatment options to consider based on clinical presentations and anatomic pathologies [14].
  • There is no clear consensus for the optimal arthroplasty option in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff [4].
  • Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty remains the preferred and less costly approach for the majority of patients with cuff-intact arthritis [10].
  • There is a need for standardization of outcome assessment following treatment of shoulder arthritis [16].

Investigations

  • Primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) patients with osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff had similar clinical and radiographic outcomes at a mean of 41 months follow-up [2].
  • There is no clear consensus for the optimal arthroplasty option in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff [4].
  • Scapulothoracic motion is more complex in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy, featuring a dynamically changing scapulohumeral rhythm and counter-directed scapular rotation before clinically visible arm elevation [5].
  • Arthroscopy is a powerful tool in the management of painful total shoulder arthroplasty and should be considered when evaluating cases with no clear cause of pain [8].
  • In patients with rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis and no bone loss, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty demonstrated similar improvements compared to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty except for less improvement in abduction [9].
  • Osteoarthritis patients had their contralateral shoulder arthroplasty sooner than cuff tear arthropathy patients [11].
  • Osteoarthritis patients with radiographic changes on the contralateral shoulder prior to the first surgery had their contralateral arthroplasty sooner than those without [11].
  • The optimal treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in patients ≤ 50 years of age remains controversial, with many treatment options to consider based on clinical presentations and anatomic pathologies [14].
  • Over 90% of patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff experienced substantial clinical benefit [15].
  • There is a need for standardization of outcome assessment following treatment of shoulder arthritis [16].
  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty should be considered for glenohumeral osteoarthritis when rotator cuff dysfunction, glenoid bone deformity, or preoperative stiffness are present [18].
  • Preventive arthroscopic distal clavicle resection in patients with rotator cuff tears and concomitant asymptomatic radiological acromioclavicular joint arthritis did not result in better clinical or structural outcomes and led to symptomatic acromioclavicular joint instability in some patients [20].
  • MR imaging-derived rotator cuff muscle proton density fat-fraction is associated with isometric strength independent of muscle atrophy and tendon rupture in shoulders with early and advanced degenerative changes [31].
  • Biologic resurfacing of the arthritic glenohumeral joint is reviewed for historical basis and current applications in young, active individuals with glenohumeral arthritis [32].
  • Computed tomography underestimates the infraspinatus area compared with MRI, but the difference is less than 1 cm² and likely clinically insignificant [41].
  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty performed in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff is associated with improved functional and clinical outcomes compared with patients treated for cuff tear arthropathy [49].
  • A semi-automated quantitative CT method allows for quantitatively and reproducibly measuring rotator cuff muscle degeneration in shoulders with primary osteoarthritis [53].
  • Performing selective MRI to assess rotator cuff integrity to indicate reverse or anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is cost-effective if surgical preparedness, patient expectations, and implant availability preclude the ability to switch implants intraoperatively [54].
  • Early results for glenoid bone grafting with a reverse design prosthesis are encouraging, but further clinical and radiologic assessment is necessary [57].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Nonoperative modalities should be utilized before surgical options for shoulder osteoarthritis, particularly in patients with moderate-to-mild disease [27].
  • Nonoperative treatment is helpful for most patients with painful conditions of the acromioclavicular joint, although those with osteolysis may need to modify their activities [52].
  • Percutaneous insertion of a subacromial balloon spacer results in a significant reduction of pain in patients aged 60 years and older with rotator cuff arthropathy [38].
  • Percutaneous insertion of a subacromial balloon spacer does not improve function in patients aged 60 years and older with rotator cuff arthropathy at a minimum 1-year follow-up [38].
  • The subacromial spacer is likely to provide a safe, effective, and cost-effective option for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears based on available evidence and conservative assumptions [39].

Surgical Management: Arthroplasty Indications and Selection

  • Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty remains the preferred and less costly approach for the majority of patients with cuff-intact arthritis [10].
  • More studies critically analyzing the value of health-care expenditures in shoulder arthroplasty are needed [10].
  • Knowledge of the array of shoulder prostheses currently available, their indications, and the use of treatment algorithms can lead to optimized patient outcomes [17].
  • The optimal treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in patients ≤ 50 years of age remains controversial, with many treatment options to consider based on clinical presentations and anatomic pathologies [14].
  • There is no clear consensus for the optimal arthroplasty option in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff [4].
  • The increase in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) utilization is due to both an increase in RTSAs performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy and expanding surgical indications for RTSA [1].
  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is popular for indications beyond rotator cuff-tear arthropathy despite concerns regarding high complication rates and limited implant longevity [28].
  • The use of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of a massive rotator cuff tear with an associated lateral deltoid rupture must remain cautious, although patients may perform well at 2 years' follow-up [19].

Surgical Management: Anatomic vs. Reverse Arthroplasty Outcomes

  • Primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) patients with osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff with no previous history of shoulder surgery had similar clinical and radiographic outcomes at a mean of 41 months follow-up [2].
  • In patients with rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis with no bone loss, treatment with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty demonstrated similar improvements compared to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty except for less improvement in abduction [9].
  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides optimal outcomes with low complication rates across a short term of follow-up for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff [7].
  • At short-term follow-up, preservation of the rotator cuff in reverse shoulder arthroplasty demonstrated similarly excellent outcomes and low complication rates compared with reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a deficient rotator cuff and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, except for slightly lower internal and external rotation compared with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty [12].
  • Over 90% of patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff experienced substantial clinical benefit [15].
  • In patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff, total shoulder arthroplasty is favored to hemiarthroplasty in terms of clinical outcome, risk of revision surgery, and postoperative complications [6].

Surgical Management: Painful Arthroplasty and Adjunct Procedures

  • Arthroscopy is a powerful tool in the management of the painful total shoulder arthroplasty and should be considered when evaluating cases in which a clear cause of pain is not present [8].
  • Preventive arthroscopic distal clavicle resection in patients with rotator cuff tears and concomitant asymptomatic radiological acromioclavicular joint arthritis did not result in better clinical or structural outcomes and led to symptomatic acromioclavicular joint instability in some patients [20].

Outcome Assessment

  • Patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy who undergo primary conventional total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty and have at least a nine-point improvement in their American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score experience a clinically important change [3].
  • Patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy who undergo primary conventional total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty and have at least a 23-point improvement in their ASES score experience a substantial clinical benefit [3].
  • The present review highlights the need for standardization of outcome assessment following treatment of shoulder arthritis [16].
  • The authors recommend the continued use of the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS) in shoulder arthroplasty registries and observational studies [30].

Complications

  • Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in the setting of a massive rotator cuff tear with an associated lateral deltoid rupture requires cautious use [19].
  • A history of previous rotator cuff repair increases the risk of revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty [56].
  • Patients with a previous rotator cuff repair should be regarded as high-risk patients when considering reverse shoulder arthroplasty [56].

Recovery

  • Primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) patients with osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff have similar clinical and radiographic outcomes at a mean of 41 months follow-up [2].
  • Reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides optimal outcomes with low complication rates across a short-term follow-up for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff [7].
  • At short-term follow-up, reverse shoulder arthroplasty with preservation of the rotator cuff demonstrates similarly excellent outcomes and low complication rates compared with reverse shoulder arthroplasty for cuff arthropathy and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, except for slightly lower internal and external rotation compared with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty [12].
  • Patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy who undergo primary conventional total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty and have at least a nine-point improvement in their American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score experience a clinically important change [3].
  • Patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy who undergo primary conventional total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty and have at least a 23-point improvement in their ASES score experience a substantial clinical benefit [3].
  • Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the shoulder damaged by inflammatory arthritis and with a deficient rotator cuff can provide noteworthy improvement for most patients at early follow-up [13].
  • Outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty are impacted by both the etiology of shoulder dysfunction and the time since implantation [21].
  • Bridging reconstruction for large-to-massive rotator cuff tears has a 98% survivorship rate with a low rate of conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and a low progression of cuff arthropathy at a minimum five-year follow-up with a mean of 7.3 years [24].
  • Bridging reconstruction for large-to-massive rotator cuff tears has a 98% survivorship rate with a low rate of conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and a low progression of cuff arthropathy at a minimum five-year follow-up with a mean of 7.3 years [25].
  • The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of a massive rotator cuff tear with an associated lateral deltoid rupture must remain cautious, although the patient performed well at 2 years' follow-up [19].
  • Copeland surface replacement shoulder arthroplasty survival analysis shows no variance from acceptable standards for shoulder replacement for the period of study [59].
  • Lower surgical volume is associated with higher all-cause revision rates in the early postoperative period in total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and throughout the follow-up period in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for cuff arthropathy [60].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] This increase is due to both an increase in the number of RTSAs performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy as well as expanding surgical indications for RTSA. [1] (10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00075)
  • [L3] At a mean of 41 month follow-up, primary aTSA and rTSA patients with OA and an intact rotator cuff with no previous history of shoulder surgery had similar clinical and radiographic outcomes. [2] (10.5435/jaaos-d-22-00014)
  • [L3] Patients with glenohumeral arthritis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy who undergo primary conventional total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty and have at least a nine-point improvement in their ASES score experience a clinically important change, whereas those who have at least a 23-point improvement in their ASES score experience a substantial clinical benefit. [3] (10.1007/s11999-016-4968-z)
  • [L4] There is no clear consensus for the optimal arthroplasty option in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff. [4] (10.1177/17585732251319977)
  • [L3] Scapulothoracic motion is more complex than previously reported, especially in patients with rotator cuff arthropathy, with a dynamically changing scapulohumeral rhythm and counter-directed scapular rotation before clinically visible arm elevation. [5] (10.1097/corr.0000000000001406)
  • [L1] In patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff, TSA is favored to HA in terms of clinical outcome, risk of revision surgery, and postoperative complications. [6] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.07.012)
  • [L4] Reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides optimal outcomes with low complication rates across a short term of follow-up for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff. [7] (10.1016/j.jse.2021.06.010)
  • [Commentary] Arthroscopy is a powerful tool in the management of the painful total shoulder arthroplasty and should be considered when evaluating cases in which a clear cause of pain is not present. [8] (10.1016/j.arthro.2020.02.031)
  • [L3] In patients with rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis with no bone loss, treatment with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty demonstrated similar improvements compared to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty except for less improvement in abduction. [9] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.01.038)
  • [L5] Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty remains the preferred and less costly approach for the majority of patients with cuff-intact arthritis, and more studies critically analyzing the value of health-care expenditures are needed. [10] (10.2106/jbjs.21.00034)
  • [L3] Osteoarthritis patients had their contralateral shoulder arthroplasty sooner than cuff tear arthropathy patients, and OA patients with radiographic changes on the contralateral shoulder prior to the first surgery had their contralateral arthroplasty sooner than those without. [11] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.12.023)
  • [L3] At short-term follow-up, preservation of the rotator cuff in RSA demonstrated similarly excellent outcomes and low complication rates compared with RSA with a deficient rotator cuff and TSA, except for slightly lower internal and external rotation compared with TSA. [12] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.005)
  • [L4] At early follow-up, reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the shoulder damaged by inflammatory arthritis and with a deficient rotator cuff can provide noteworthy improvement for most patients. [13] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.05.015)
  • [L5] The optimal treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in patients ≤ 50 years of age remains controversial, and there are many treatment options to consider when responding to the variety of clinical presentations and anatomic pathologies. [14] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.01.009)
  • [L3] Over 90% of patients who underwent RSA for GHOA with an intact rotator cuff experienced substantial clinical benefit. [15] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.01.027)
  • [L1] The present review highlights the need for standardization of outcome assessment following treatment of shoulder arthritis. [16] (10.1177/1758573215622385)
  • [L5] Knowledge of the array of shoulder prostheses currently available and the indications for each, as well as the use of treatment algorithms, can lead to optimized patient outcomes. [17] (10.5435/00124635-200907000-00002)
  • [L4] The article describes conditions under which RSA should be considered for glenohumeral osteoarthritis, specifically when rotator cuff dysfunction, glenoid bone deformity, or preoperative stiffness are present, noting that RSA has shown good results comparable with anatomical TSA in these scenarios. [18] (10.5397/cise.2021.00633)
  • [L4] Although the patient performed well at 2 years' follow-up, the use of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of a massive rotator cuff tear with an associated lateral deltoid rupture must still remain cautious. [19] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.03.013)
  • [L1] Preventive arthroscopic DCR in patients with rotator cuff tears and concomitant asymptomatic radiological ACJ arthritis did not result in better clinical or structural outcomes, and it did lead to symptomatic ACJ instability in some patients. [20] (10.1177/0363546514547254)
  • [L3] The study acknowledges that outcomes are impacted by both the etiology of shoulder dysfunction and the time since implantation. [21] (10.2106/jbjs.16.00223)
  • [L5] Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is a spectrum of shoulder pathology characterized by rotator cuff insufficiency, degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint, and superior migration of the humeral head. [22] (10.5435/00124635-200706000-00003)
  • [L4] At a minimum 5-year follow-up with a mean of 7.3 years, bridging reconstruction showed a 98% survivorship rate with a low rate of conversion to rTSA and a low progression of cuff arthropathy. [24] (10.1016/j.jisako.2023.03.403)
  • [L3] At a minimum 5-year follow-up with a mean of 7.3 years, bridging reconstruction showed a 98% survivorship rate with a low rate of conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and a low progression of cuff arthropathy. [25] (10.1177/2325967123s00074)
  • [L5] Rotator cuff repairs fail at an alarmingly high rate during long-term follow-up, particularly in cases with advanced fatty infiltration, atrophy, and large-to-massive tear size, leading to functional deterioration and progression of glenohumeral arthritis. [26] (10.1016/j.arthro.2022.04.002)
  • [L5] The article provides an overview of available treatments for shoulder osteoarthritis, noting that nonoperative modalities should be utilized before surgical options, particularly for patients with moderate-to-mild disease, while surgical treatments like arthroplasty are considered effective for severe cases. [27] (10.1155/2013/370231)
  • [L5] The paper reviews current concepts, results, and component wear analysis of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, noting its popularity for indications beyond rotator cuff-tear arthropathy despite concerns regarding high complication rates and limited implant longevity. [28] (10.2106/jbjs.j.00769)
  • [L4] The authors recommend the continued use of WOOS in shoulder arthroplasty registries and observational studies. [30] (10.1186/s12891-023-06578-5)
  • [L3] MR imaging–derived RC muscle PDFF is associated with isometric strength independent of muscle atrophy and tendon rupture in shoulders with early and advanced degenerative changes. [31] (10.1177/0363546517703086)
  • [L5] The article reviews the historical basis and current applications of this procedure for young, active individuals with glenohumeral arthritis. [32] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.03.006)
  • [L4] Scapular kinematics of patients with shoulder arthroplasty was influenced by implementation of external loads, but not by the type of load. [33] (10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2012.04.009)
  • [L4] The ST contribution to overall shoulder movement is significantly increased in patients with an rTSA compared with a healthy shoulder. [34] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.12.018)
  • [L5] Percutaneous insertion of subacromial balloon spacer results in a significant reduction of pain in patients aged 60 years and older with rotator cuff arthropathy but does not improve their function at a minimum 1-year follow-up. [38] (10.1016/j.asmr.2025.101254)
  • [L2] Based on the available evidence and reasonably conservative assumptions, subacromial spacer is likely to provide a safe, effective, and cost-effective option for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. [39] (10.1007/s00264-018-4065-x)
  • [L3] While CT underestimates the infraspinatus area as compared with MRI, the difference is less than 1 cm2 and thus likely clinically insignificant. [41] (10.1016/j.jse.2018.03.015)
  • [L3] These imbalances may contribute to the higher rates of failure after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with posterior wear compared with those with concentric wear. [44] (10.1097/corr.0000000000001798)
  • [L4] The axillary view provides a practical method of characterizing glenohumeral anatomy before and after surgery that is less costly and exposes the patient to less radiation than a CT scan. [45] (10.1007/s11999-013-3327-6)
  • [L3] Performing shoulder arthroplasty did not positively affect the component of proprioception that was evaluated by the active angle-reproduction test. [47] (10.1007/s00264-008-0666-0)
  • [L5] The medial margin of the scapula demonstrated the best intraobserver and interobserver reliability for assessing glenoid component inclination compared with other landmarks when the scapula is tilted. [48] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.09.001)
  • [L3] RTSA performed in patients with GHOA and an intact rotator cuff is associated with improved functional and clinical outcomes compared with those patients treated for CTA. [49] (10.5435/jaaos-d-21-00797)
  • [L5] Nonoperative treatment is helpful for most patients, although those with osteolysis may have to modify their activities. [52] (10.5435/00124635-199905000-00004)
  • [L4] This new semi-automated CT method allows to quantitatively and reproducibly measure rotator cuff muscle degeneration in shoulders with primary osteoarthritis. [53] (10.1016/j.otsr.2016.12.006)
  • [L3] However, performing selective MRI to assess rotator cuff integrity to indicate RSA or TSA is cost-effective if surgical preparedness, patient expectations, and implant availability preclude the ability to switch implants intraoperatively. [54] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002110)
  • [L3] Patients with previous rotator cuff repair should be regarded as high-risk patients when considering reverse shoulder arthroplasty. [56] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.07.001)
  • [L4] Early results are encouraging, but further clinical and radiologic assessment is necessary. [57] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.02.002)
  • [L4] Survival analysis shows no variance from acceptable standards for shoulder replacement for the period of study. [59] (10.1016/j.jse.2005.02.011)
  • [L3] Lower surgical volume was associated with higher all-cause revision rates in the early postoperative period in TSA and rTSA for OA and throughout the follow-up period in rTSA for cuff arthropathy. [60] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.10.026)

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