2026 AOSSM Annual Meeting: Self-removal of sling following reverse shoulder arthroplasty results in no difference in outcomes and complication rates

52 patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) were randomized to either strict sling use for six weeks or sling use for comfort, who were permitted for removal after resolution of the regional nerve block. The outcomes of interest were short-term range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, forward flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, subjective shoulder value, visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, and early clinical or radiographic complications. Outcomes were assessed up to 3 months postoperatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed no significant between-group differences in postoperative range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, or early complications. These findings suggest that allowing patients to discontinue sling use early after RSA may be a safe short-term approach without compromising early recovery.