Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in obese patients: analysis of functionality in the medium-term

Obesity is an epidemic nowadays and this fact conditions results in orthopaedic surgery. Very few studies evaluates if obesity is a risk factor for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to confirm if there are differences with regard to the outcomes in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty according to their body mass index (BMI). A total of 35 patients were enrolled in the study. Then divided into subpopulations according to their BMI and analyzed twice. First analysis set a division 30 of BMI and second set it in 35. ASES score, major complications, length of the hospital stay, radiolucent lines in components as well as scapular notching were assessed. No major complications were described in our patients. No differences were found related to hospital stay, radiolucent lines or scapular notching. However, in the second analysis (BMI < 35 and >= 35) statistical differences were found regarding ASES score. Poorer functional outcomes were described in the type-II obese and morbidly obese population. Functional outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty are worse in patients with a BMI over 35.