Purpose: The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has shown improvement in both pain control and function in recent studies. The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze functional outcomes and strength in patients following the use of the Delta III prosthesis in a single center.

Method: Patients treated by one of two surgeons were prospectively evaluated following RTSA. An independent observer administered the Constant Score, SF-12, Shoulder Osteoarthritis (SOAQ), ASES, DASH questionnaires and patient satisfaction. Isometric strength testing was performed using the Powertrack II dynamometer. Follow-up for all patients was available up to 5 years following surgery.

Results: The Delta III RTSA was performed on 51 study patients (67% female, mean age 74 (SD=10)). Improvements following surgery were noted in Quality of life (SF-12 Physical Summary= 30 to 38); shoulder disability (SOAQ= 144 to 79; ASES 7 to 15; DASH= 61 to 46; Constant 21 to 56), Symptoms (SOAQ symptoms 40 to 22), Physical impairments as determined by strength (External rotation = 3 to 5 Nm, Abduction 4 to 10 Nm); and ROM (Flexion= 51 to 115°, abduction 45 to 106°); p< 0.05. All patients had follow up between 2–5 years. Satisfaction was high (86% extremely, 3% not at all).

Conclusion: Our data demonstrates significant improvements in quality of life, symptoms, patient satisfaction and disability with reduced and high at more than 2 years following RTSA. Novel to this study is improved objective evidence of strength in functional planes of motion. This is the first Canadian study to demonstrate such improvements in patients following RTSA.