Author/Authors :
Davis, Daniel E. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson Universlty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA , Cox, Ryan Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson Universlty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA , Patel, Manan S. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson Universlty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA , Lazarus, Mark Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson Universlty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA , Ramsey, Matthew Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson Universlty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA , Namdari, Surena Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson Universlty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Abstract :
and restore function. Physical therapy is commonly used to help achieve these goals. Recent evidence has pointed
to the success and safety of a purely physician-guided, home-based or internet-based, program versus the traditional
therapist guided program.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of TSA in patients using a web-based, home therapy program.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed of TSA patients who were given the option of using a web-based,
home therapy program. Functional outcomes were collected preoperatively, 6-month, and 12-month post-operative
examinations. Physical examination parameters were recorded at preoperative, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month timepoints.
Results: Forty-seven patients used the web-based, home therapy program and had complete follow-up data at all
time intervals. All mean range of motion parameters and functional scores improved significantly from preoperatively to
postoperatively. There was one reported complication in a patient who sustained a subscapularis rupture and underwent
subsequent open repair at 10 months postoperatively.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates successful improvements in range of motion and functional outcomes in a
subset of patients who utilized an online therapy program after TSA. Future study will be necessary to directly compare
results in patients enrolled in formal, outpatient therapy programs and to determine barriers to utilization of web-based
therapy programs.
Keywords :
Home therapy , Patient guided therapy , Shoulder therapy safety , Total shoulder arthroplasty , Web-based therapy