What must be assessed before performing a total shoulder arthroplasty?

Before performing a total shoulder arthroplasty, it is essential to assess the patient's cardiovascular health. This evaluation is crucial because total shoulder arthroplasty is a significant surgical procedure that can pose various risks related to anesthesia and the stress of surgery on the cardiovascular system. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions may require optimization of their health before undergoing surgery to minimize the risk of complications during and after the procedure.

Making sure that the cardiovascular system is functioning well helps ensure that the patient can tolerate the surgery and recover effectively afterward. This consideration is paramount to patient safety and overall surgical outcomes.

While other factors such as functional status of the contralateral shoulder, degree of scapular winging, and severity of pain during abduction are significant in the context of shoulder function and may influence the decision to proceed with surgery, the immediate risk assessment regarding the patient's cardiovascular health directly impacts surgical readiness and safety.