Good functional outcomes expected after shoulder arthroplasty irrespective of body mass index

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated how body mass index (BMI) factors into functional outcomes and complications after shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of age-matched patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), or hemiarthroplasty (HA). Patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, range of motion (ROM), and complications were assessed. Forty-nine patients were classified into the following groups: normal (BMI <24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²), class I obese (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2), class II obese (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m²), and class III morbid obese (BMI ≥40 kg/m²).

Results: A total of 245 patients (134 women, 111 men; average age, 64 ± 8 years) were evaluated at an average follow-up of 48 ± 18 months. TSA was performed in 122 patients (50%), RTSA was performed in 103 (42%), and HA was performed in 20 (8%). No significant difference was found among the 5 BMI groups in arthroplasty type (P = .108) or in complications, including reoperations (P = .27). All groups had significant postoperative improvements in PROs and ROM (P < .001 for both). There were no significant differences among the BMI groups in postoperative ROM or PROs.

Discussion: This study demonstrates that patients undergoing TSA, RTSA, and HA can expect good functional outcomes, with improvements in pain, function and outcome scores, irrespective of BMI.

Keywords: BMI; Shoulder arthroplasty; body mass index; complications; obesity; outcomes.