What is the typical cause of pain after shoulder arthroplasty?

The most typical cause of pain after shoulder arthroplasty is often related to rotator cuff dysfunction. After a total shoulder arthroplasty procedure, especially in patients with pre-existing rotator cuff issues, the integrity and function of the rotator cuff can be compromised, leading to ongoing pain and dysfunction.

This can occur for several reasons: the surgical procedure may alter the biomechanics of the shoulder, or pre-existing rotator cuff tears may not have been fully addressed during surgery, resulting in persistent pain. Rotator cuff dysfunction impacts the ability of the shoulder to properly mobilize and stabilize, which can significantly affect the patient's comfort and functional recovery.

In contrast, while infection, mechanical failure, and adhesive capsulitis can also lead to postoperative pain, they are generally less common or may manifest under specific circumstances. Infection is typically accompanied by systemic symptoms and localized signs, mechanical failure often results from issues related to the implant rather than soft tissue, and adhesive capsulitis is more associated with stiffness than outright pain following shoulder arthroplasty. Therefore, rotator cuff dysfunction stands out as a notable post-surgical challenge that can frequently lead to pain in the shoulder arthroplasty patient population.