Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery for Rotator Cuff Tear Arthritis and Complex Shoulder Conditions
To help you discuss reverse shoulder replacement surgery as a treatment option for your shoulder injury with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.
What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Reverse total shoulder replacement is an advanced surgical technique specifically designed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a condition where you suffer from both shoulder arthritis and a rotator cuff tear.
Reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended for the following conditions:
- Completely torn rotator cuff that is difficult to repair
- Presence of rotator cuff tear arthritis
- Previous unsuccessful shoulder replacement
- Severe shoulder pain and difficulty in performing overhead activities
- Continued pain despite other treatments such as rest, medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy
What Are the Differences Between Conventional/Anatomic and Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Conventional/anatomic shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the ball of the humerus with a metal ball and the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade (scapula) with a plastic socket. If this surgery is used to treat rotator cuff arthropathy, it may result in the implant loosening due to the torn rotator cuff. Therefore, a specifically designed surgery was developed: reverse total shoulder replacement.
Reverse total shoulder replacement involves placing the humeral ball in the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade (scapula) and the plastic socket on top of the arm bone. This design makes efficient use of the deltoid muscle to compensate for the torn rotator cuff.
How Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery Performed?
Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is performed by the orthopedic surgeon according to the following procedure:
- The orthopedic surgeon makes an incision over the affected shoulder to expose the joint.
- The surgeon separates the humerus from the glenoid socket of the scapula.
- The surgeon removes the arthritic parts of the humeral head and the socket
- The surgeon inserts the artificial components and fixes them in place. The artificial components include the metal ball that is screwed into the shoulder socket and the plastic cup that is cemented into the upper arm bone.
- The surgeon stitches the joint capsule together, and closes the wound with sutures.
What Happens After Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Following reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will provide the patient with the following postoperative guidelines:
- Take all prescribed medications as instructed
- Perform a gentle range of motion exercises to increase shoulder mobility
- Perform physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder and improve flexibility
- Avoid overhead activities for at least six weeks.
- Avoid getting up out of a chair or bed using shoulder muscles
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
What Are the Risks and Complications of Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
As with any surgery, some of the potential risks and complications of reverse shoulder replacementsurgery may include bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, and damage to the bones or surrounding soft tissues.
Shoulder injury can be painful and debilitating. If traditional surgical techniques don’t work for you, reverse shoulder replacement surgery may be the solution. Let us help.