J Shoulder Elb Arthroplast. 2026 May 7;10(3):100035. doi: 10.1016/j.jsea.2026.100035. eCollection 2026 Sep.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) provides reliable outcomes in cuff tear arthropathy, but the impact of prior breast cancer treatment on safety and functional outcomes remains unclear.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 15 women with prior ipsilateral breast cancer treatment (mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and/or radiotherapy) who underwent rTSA for cuff tear arthropathy. These results were compared with 50 female patients who underwent rTSA for cuff tear arthropathy without breast cancer history. Outcomes included patient-reported scores (Oxford Shoulder Score, Constant Murley score, and satisfaction), range of motion, pain, and complications, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
RESULTS: Oxford Shoulder Score and Constant Murley score were similar between groups (41.5 vs. 41.0; 69.4 vs. 71.8). Satisfaction was high in both cohorts (8.8/10). The breast cancer group showed lower abduction (139° vs. 166°, P = .003) and forward flexion (141° vs. 173°, P = .003), while internal and external rotation were comparable. Complications were numerically higher in the breast cancer cohort, with revision surgery showing a borderline difference (2/15 vs. 0/50, P = .050).
CONCLUSION: rTSA demonstrated comparable functional outcomes and satisfaction in patients with prior breast cancer treatment. Lower post-operative abduction, forward flexion and a numerically higher complication burden were observed, although complication differences were not statistically significant. Prior breast cancer treatment should not be considered an absolute contraindication, but appropriate pre-operative counseling remains important.
PMID:42283030 | PMC:PMC13253066 | DOI:10.1016/j.jsea.2026.100035
