Reverse Total Shoulder
A reverse total shoulder replacement is a complicated surgery in which the socket and the ball are switched as the shoulder joint is replaced with artificial devices. A metal ball is fixed to the socket, and a plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the arm bone. This procedure is designed for patients whose rotator cuff does not function.
Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is recommended for patients with massive rotator cuff tears because this type of replacement means the patient will rely on different muscles to move the arm post-surgery. After a reverse total replacement surgery patients will rely on the deltoid muscle, instead of the rotator cuff, to move the arm.
Best Candidates
- Inoperable, complete torn rotator cuff
- Cuff tear arthropathy
- Previous unsuccessful shoulder replacement surgery
- Chronic pain after conservative treatment
Reverse total shoulder replacement patients usually have excellent range of motion after surgery, and can expect excellent results. This surgery typically provides great pain relief and patient satisfaction is very high. The reverse shoulder replacement surgery was approved for use in the United State in 2003, so it’s a fairly new procedure. This surgery is a highly technical procedure best performed by an experienced surgeon with expertise in this specific area of study.
CONTACT US if you think you might be a candidate for reverse total shoulder replacement.