Update on the rehabilitation following anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

This article aims to present the principles of rehabilitation following anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasties. The rehabilitation consist of three phases: wound healing and movement initiation (weeks 0-6), movement recovery (7-12), strengthening and return to activity (13-18). At 6 to 12 months follow-up, most patients report a substantial decrease in pain and a return to light to moderate activity level. The rehabilitation of the reverse arthroplasty specifically requires deltoid muscle strengthening and dislocation prevention. The functional outcome is slightly inferior for reverse arthroplasty, which is indicated when musculotendinous lesions are associated to bone lesions, but satisfaction rates are comparable between the two types of implants. The durability of total shoulder arthroplasties is globally satisfying, though shorter in young active patients.