Abstract
Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and Reverse Total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are two of the most performed shoulder operations today. Traditionally postoperative rehabilitation included a period of immobilisation, protecting the joint and allowing time for soft tissue healing. This immobilisation period may significantly impact a patient's quality of life (Qol)and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL's). This period of immobilisation could be safely avoided, accelerating return to function and improving postoperative QoL.This systematic review examines the safety of early mobilisation compared to immobilisation after shoulder arthroplasty focusing on outcomes at one year.MethodsA systematic review was performed as per the PRISMA guidelines. Results on functional outcome and shoulder range of motion were retrieved.Six studies were eligible for inclusion, resulting in 719 patients, with arthroplasty performed on 762 shoulders, with information on mobilisation protocols on 736 shoulders (96.6%) and 717 patients (99.7%). The patient cohort comprised 250 males (34.9%) and 467 females (65.1%). Of the patients that successfully completed follow-up, 81.5% underwent RSA (n = 600), and 18.4% underwent TSA (n = 136). Overall, 262 (35.6%) patients underwent early postoperative mobilisation, and 474 shoulders were (64.4%) immobilised for a length of time. Immobilised patients were divided into three subgroups based on the period of immobilisation: three, four, or six weeks. There were 201 shoulders (27.3%) immobilised for three weeks, 77 (10.5%) for four weeks and 196 (26.6%) for six weeks. Five of the six manuscripts found no difference between clinical outcomes at one year when comparing early active motion versus immobilisation after RSA or TSA.Early mobilisation is a safe postoperative rehabilitation pathway following both TSA and RSA. This may lead to an accelerated return to function and improved quality of life in the postoperative period.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
