Reverse Shoulder Replacement

What is reverse shoulder replacement?

Reverse shoulder replacement is a type of shoulder surgery to replace parts of your shoulder joint with artificial components. 

During the procedure, your surgeon replaces the ball and socket of the joint with implants placed in the opposite or reverse location of traditional shoulder joint replacement. Your surgeon attaches the ball to your shoulder blade and the socket to your upper arm bone. This configuration will allow the deltoid muscle to lift your arm instead of the damaged rotator cuff.  

Is reverse shoulder replacement right for me?

Your Twin Palm Orthopedic specialist discusses your symptoms and medical history to determine if you’re a candidate for reverse shoulder replacement. They examine your shoulder joint and often recommend you complete blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures.

This type of surgery typically offers relief if you’ve sustained a severe rotator cuff injury or had previous failed shoulder surgery but still experience pain or limited movement. Patients usually have severe arthritis in the shoulder as well. 

How should I prepare for reverse shoulder replacement?

To get ready for shoulder procedures, follow your surgeon’s instructions. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery and stop taking certain medications if they ask you to. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you after surgery.

What happens during the procedure?

Before reverse shoulder replacement, the Twin Palm Orthopedics team gives you anesthesia so you can avoid pain and relax or fall asleep. Then, they make an incision in the front of your shoulder using specialized surgical tools and remove damaged tissues.

Your surgeon replaces your joint with artificial components to restore its structure and function before closing the incision and taking you to a recovery area.

What should I expect after reverse shoulder replacement?

After a reverse shoulder replacement, you might be able to go home the same day but have someone drive you there. Wear a sling or joint immobilizer, ice the treatment area, and get plenty of rest. Light pendulum exercises are started right away to keep your joint moving.  

Take medications as directed, avoid lifting your arm and driving, and steer clear of intense physical activity until your specialist says it’s safe to do so.

Attend follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions as directed by your surgeon. Over time as your shoulder heals, you can expect less pain, increased range of motion, and a better quality of life, and a return to a high level of activity and sports.

To learn more about reverse shoulder replacement and find out if the procedure is right for you, call the Twin Palm Orthopedics office or request an appointment online today.