Shoulder Pain and Function in Individuals With Implantable Cardiac Electronic Devices

Implantable cardiac electronic devices have revolutionized the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and significantly reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac death. The number of individuals living with these devices has increased substantially worldwide. Among implantable cardiac electronic devices are pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers or biventricular pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators . Although cardiac device implantation is considered a minor surgical procedure, several complications may occur, including pocket hematoma, pneumothorax, wound infection, lead dislodgement, fracture, or perforation. In addition to these complications, it is well known that implantation may result in impaired ipsilateral upper extremity function, pain, and restricted shoulder range of motion.