Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Reverse shoulder replacement, also known as reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed for patients with severe shoulder arthritis combined with a large rotator cuff tear that cannot be repaired.

In a reverse shoulder replacement, the surgeon replaces the damaged ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder with a prosthetic implant. Unlike traditional shoulder replacements, the positions of the ball and socket are reversed. This allows the deltoid muscle, instead of the rotator cuff, to power and control the arm.

Reverse shoulder replacement is typically recommended for patients with a combination of severe arthritis and irreparable rotator cuff tears. It is also used for certain complex fractures of the proximal humerus in older patients with pre-existing cuff pathology.

The reverse shoulder replacement can improve pain relief and restore some shoulder function in patients who have lost mobility and function due to arthritis and rotator cuff tears. It can also help stabilize the shoulder joint.

Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement surgery can take several months. Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder.