Clinical outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in obstetric brachial plexus palsy with suprascapular nerve injury and glenohumeral osteoarthritis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Untreated obstetric brachial plexus palsies (OBPP) present with various upper limb impairments, including muscle weakness, soft tissue contractures, and osteoarticular deformities. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) medializes the center of rotation, optimizing deltoid function to compensate for deficits caused by OBPP. This study evaluates the effectiveness of RSA in patients with untreated OBPP involving the suprascapular nerve and end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA), focusing on functional and quality-of-life improvements. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with OBPP involving the suprascapular nerve and end-stage glenohumeral OA who underwent RSA. Included patients had significant deficits in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles but preserved deltoid function. Pre- and postoperative assessments included Range of Motion (ROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Data on complications and revision surgeries were also collected. Results: Seven patients (2 males, 5 females; mean age 38.9 ± 14.9 years) with a median follow-up of 3.1 ± 2.2 years were included. Postoperatively, significant improvements were observed in limb function and quality of life, as reflected in the Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QDASH). Pain levels decreased markedly, and ROM showed a moderate increase. No complications or revision surgeries were reported. Conclusions: RSA is an effective and safe surgical option for patients with untreated OBPP involving the suprascapular nerve and end-stage glenohumeral OA, yielding significant functional and quality-of-life improvements at short- and mid-term follow-up. The absence of complications and revision surgeries further supports its reliability in this challenging patient population. Level of evidence: IV.
Authors: F. Granata, S. D'Amato, S. Cassaro, C. Burgio, F. Bosco
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
OpenAlex ID: W4411135248