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Patient Satisfaction Reverse

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Patient Satisfaction Reverse
Prof. Bijay Singh May 12, 2026 Shoulder

Patient Satisfaction Reverse

Why 87% of Reverse Shoulder Replacement Patients
Are Smiling: New Research & The Singh Method

I regularly review newly published, high-quality medical research and share patient-focused summaries explaining what the evidence means in everyday practice. These updates are intended to support informed discussions and shared decision-making, while recognising that treatment should always be tailored to the individual.

At the heart of my practice is Shared Decision-Making. Whether we pursue conservative management (Plan A) or surgical intervention (Plan B), the goal is to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and functional goals.

Prepared by:

Prof. Bijay Singh

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - Upper Limb, Trauma & Sports Injury

Shoulder | Elbow | Wrist | Hand

Visiting Professor Canterbury Christchurch University & AIIMS Raipur

Private Practice Manager

Kim White

Phone: 07361895875

Email: kim.white@kims.org.uk

NHS Appointments:

Spire Alexandra Hospital: 01634 – 687166

Medway NHS Trust: 01634 – 976749

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA) has seen a massive rise in popularity, but how The study by Smith et al. (2024) isn’t just a collection of numbers; it’s a roadmap for what patients can expect. Here are three key takeaways from the 5,288 shoulders analyzed:

1. The "Success Window" (77% to 88%)

The researchers found that satisfaction varied slightly depending on which Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were used.

  • The High End (88%):When patients were asked about pain relief and the ability to perform daily tasks (like grooming or reaching a shelf), the satisfaction was near the top of the scale.
  • The Reality:Even on the lower end of the spectrum, the vast majority of patients felt the surgery significantly improved their quality of life compared to their pre-operative state.

2. Why Osteoarthritis Patients Lead the Way

The study found that patients with Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis (GHOA) rated their satisfaction higher than those with massive rotator cuff tears.

  • The Reason:In a "normal" arthritic shoulder, the rotator cuff is often still intact. When a reverse replacement is performed on these patients, the combination of a new joint surface plus a functional cuff (or a strong deltoid) often leads to more predictable strength and range of motion.
  • The takeaway for others:While satisfaction is slightly lower for cuff tear arthropathy, it remains a "gold standard" treatment for restoring function that was previously thought lost forever.

3. Consistency Over Time

One of the most impressive findings was the follow-up duration. With an average of over 4 years (and some patients being tracked for nearly 20 years), the data proves that rTSA isn't just a "honeymoon" fix. The satisfaction is durable. If the surgery is planned correctly and the patient follows the rehab protocol, that "new shoulder" feeling is built to last.

💡 Prof. Singh’s Clinical Perspective: "The Gap"

Prof. Singh often notes that the small percentage of patients who aren't satisfied usually fall into the "Expectation Gap."> "If a patient expects to return to professional-level overhead sports, but the surgery is designed for pain-free daily living, there is a gap. My job is to close that gap through education before we ever enter the operating theatre. When the patient knows exactly what the 'new normal' looks like, their satisfaction skyrockets."

By aligning the clinical data from studies like Smith et al. with personal, one-on-one communication, Prof. Singh ensures his patients aren't just part of a statistic—they are success stories.

Based on the latest 2024 research and Prof. Singh’s clinical approach, here are the answers to the most common questions regarding rTSA.

    • How likely am I to be happy with the results?Recent data from a massive study of over 5,000 patients shows that between 77% and 88% of patients are highly satisfied with their outcome.
    • Does my original diagnosis affect my satisfaction? Research shows that patients with Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis often report the highest satisfaction levels, though those with rotator cuff tears also see significant benefits.
    • Why does Prof. Singh spend so much time in pre-op consultations?Surgery is a partnership. Prof. Singh believes that when you understand the exact mechanics of the procedure and have realistic expectations for recovery, your mental and physical outcome is significantly better.
    • What is the long-term outlook?The study followed patients for an average of 4 years, with some followed for up to 19 years, showing that satisfaction remains high long after the initial recovery period.
    • Will I be able to return to normal activities?The goal of rTSA is pain relief and functional restoration. During your planning session, Prof. Singh will discuss your specific lifestyle goals—whether that’s gardening, swimming, or simply reaching the top shelf.
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