Outcomes of Anatomic and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients With Poliomyelitis Deficits

Articles in Press

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Rothman Orthopaedic Institute - Shoulder & Elbow

2 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

3 Orthopaedic Surgery, Jefferson Health New Jersey, Stratford, USA.

10.22038/abjs.2025.89826.4071

Abstract

Objectives: The population most severely affected by poliomyelitis as children in the 1950’s have now reached the age where anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA, rTSA) is frequently considered for degenerative disease. To date, only three series comprising 14 cases of post-polio patients have been published, illustrating a need for further understanding of outcomes in this population.



Methods: A retrospective study was performed of all patients with poliomyelitis undergoing aTSA or rTSA between March 2011 and September 2023. Follow-up was collected, as well as post-polio symptoms, range of motion, VAS pain, and revision status at final follow-up.



Results: Ten patients (11 shoulders, 3 aTSA, 8 rTSA) were evaluated at an average follow-up of 4.7 (range: 2-13) years. Pre-operatively, polio deficits involved the lower extremities (N = 8), upper extremities (N = 2), and spine (N = 1). At final follow-up, only 1 patient experienced a complication (instability). Postoperative range of motion significantly improved in all planes. Finally, VAS pain scores significantly decreased from 7.0 to 1.2 postoperatively (p=0.02).



Conclusion: In shoulder arthroplasty in post-polio patients, low complication rates were observed with improvement in both pain and function. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, in particular, appears effective in poliomyelitis patients.

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 June 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 July 2025
  • Revise Date:
  • Accept Date: 07 September 2025

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