Rehabilitation after total shoulder arthroplasty

Physical therapy constitutes an essential determinant of clinical outcome a fter total shoulder arthroplasty. We reviewed our results in 81 shoulders a t a minimum of 2 years' follow-up, with specific focus on the maintenance o f motion and the development of soft tissue healing problems. Our findings show that our graduated rehabilitation program allows most patients to obta in motion comparable to that possible intraoperatively with few complicatio ns. Of patients, 70% maintained their elevation, and 90% maintained externa l rotation. Patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic ar thritis, and osteonecrosis were identified as being at risk for failure to regain motion and for tendon healing complications.