Background and purpose: Natural history of the rheumatoid shoulder will lead to upward migration, medialization and flattening of the humeral head causing loss of motion. Mechanically reversed shoulder Arthroplasty can prevent upward migration of humerus and restore shoulder motion. We evaluated pain relief and shoulder function after reversed Arthroplasty in RA; determined the rate of scapular notching; and determined the complication rate

Patients and Methods: We identified 76 reverse shoulder artroplasties with RA from consecutive RA patients having the surgery from 2007 to 2013. Mean follow-up was 27 months (range 12-84) and mean age at operation was 70 years (range49-90) all patients were evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up study by an independent observer (our physiotherapists). Level of pain, range of motion were recorded and radiographes taken and analyzed by an orthopaedic surgeon.

Results: Visual Analog Scale score for pain at motion decreased from 7.0 to 1.0 and score for pain at rest from 4.0 to 1.0. Some kind of complication developed to 11 (14%) patients. Notching occurred in 32% of shoulders but no loosening was seen.

Interpretation: Reverse shoulder Arthroplasty improved shoulder functions with a low incidence of complications in Rheumatoid Arthritis. We believe it should be used more often in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis because the results with familiar total shoulders are disappointing in rheumatoid patients.