Seasonal timing of surgery does not affect clinical outcomes in total shoulder arthroplasty

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is an effective treatment option for glenohumeral arthritis. It is unclear if seasonal timing of surgery affects outcomes.

Methods

Patients who underwent TSA between 2015 and 2021 and were enrolled in a multicenter registry were eligible for inclusion. Date of surgery was recorded and was divided up into winter, spring, summer, and fall. Demographic data and Walch classification were recorded. Baseline strength, range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcomes were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes and ROM at 2 years of follow-up were assessed and compared between TSA groups for each season.

Results

Overall, 506 patients were included in the analysis. Breakdown by season was winter (N = 124), spring (N = 118), summer (N = 120), and fall (N = 144). There were no differences in baseline demographics between patients based on season of surgery or Walch classification. No difference existed in baseline ROM, clinical outcomes, or strength between seasonal groups. There were no differences in 2-year clinical outcomes, ROM, or strength between groups.

Conclusion

There is no difference in clinical outcomes based on seasonal timing for patients who undergo TSA. Patients should feel confident that their outcomes will not vary based on the season in which they undergo TSA.