Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Steven Halcrow

Keywords

Reverse Total Shoulder, Arthroplasty, Shoulder, Physical Therapy, Intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)is gaining popularity globally for treatment of traumatic and degenerative glenohumeral diseases, as well as for irreparable rotator cuff total shoulder arthroplasty surgeries. The number of these surgeries in 2011 were 22,820 and have jumped to a staggering increase of more than 60,000 a year in 2023. The goal of this case study is to determine the role and effectiveness of physical therapy in a status post RTSA.

Case Description: The patient was a 70-year-old year male who had a right RTSA. The patient had comorbidities of Osteoarthritis of the right shoulder, a failed right total shoulder arthroplasty, and a body mass index of 37.

Intervention: The patient was seen two days per week for a total of 16 weeks, with 9 of those weeks being documented in this study. Physical therapy sessions mainly consisted of exercises to help address patient’s shoulder pain and increase shoulder range of motion, while functional activities promoted independence, and scar mobilizations.

Outcomes: Over the course of treatment, the patient showed major improvements in range of motion, decreased pain, and most importantly, was able to play with his grandkids again with minimal discomfort.

Discussion: In evaluating the case of a male status post RTSA, it was determined that physical therapy intervention can moderately improve ROM, pain, and improve overall functionality of the shoulder for patients.

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