Reverse shoulder replacement surgery is a relatively newer but increasingly popular shoulder-pain relieving option in the United States.
Also known as reverse prosthesis, reverse shoulder replacement changes the shoulder biomechanics. It allows the deltoid muscles to move and stabilize the joint instead of the rotator cuff muscles. Even though reverse prosthesis is very good at relieving pain, it is a complicated surgical procedure.
If you are considering reverse shoulder replacement for your shoulder condition,you may have many questions in mind, including the recovery timeline of the procedure.
Let’s learn more about reverse shoulder replacement and its recovery timeline, and where you can go for this surgery in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement or reverse prosthesis is a surgical procedure in which the ball and socket joint of your shoulder is replaced with artificial implants.
But, unlike standard shoulder replacement, in this surgery, the ball is attached to the shoulder bone, and the socket is attached to the upper arm bone – the opposite of where these are naturally located.
Shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, rotator cuff tear, and failed joint replacements are some shoulder conditions that are mostly addressed with reverse prostheses.
Recovery Timeline for Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Generally, the recovery timeline for the reverse prosthesis depends on whether the procedure was the primary replacement for the shoulder or a revision shoulder replacement (an old prosthesis was taken out from the shoulder during the surgery). Typically, the timeline to gain shoulder range of motion and function is longer after a revision procedure than after the primary replacement.
The recovery timeline also depends on whether the bone grafting(a process in which a bone is added in place of missing bone) was done, whether the newly added bone holds well, and how long the bone takes to heal.
In the surgery, the base plate and ball are fixed to the socket with the help of screws, so the recovery also depends on the time that bone around the base plate and screw take to heal. The amount of movement allowed after the surgery also depends on the fixation of the screws to the bone.
Most patients begin to move their finger, wrist, and elbow the next day of the surgery;however, your orthopedic surgeon will let you know when you will be able to use your hand and armfully.
Precautions are to halt the shoulder movements for a few days to a few weeks;however, contrary to the precautions, surgeons allow most patients to use their arms to eat, read and type within a few days.
What’s more? The amount of your shoulder motion after surgery is also determined by the motion you had before the reverse prosthesis.
Generally, recovery from reverse shoulder replacement takes approximately 4 to 8 months. After this time, if your surgeon allows it, you should be able to return to work, drive and take on your routine tasks.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Recovery with Dr. Stchur
Studies have indicated that about 85-90% of people with reverse prostheses or reverse shoulder replacement obtained excellent pain relief. Remember that the clinical acumen and skills of the surgeon are crucial to have the best surgery outcomes.
At Advanced Orthopedic Center, our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Stchur, performs nearly 1000 shoulder surgeries each year, of which over 400 are shoulder replacements, including reverse prostheses. He is one of the busiest shoulder surgeons in the United States and is passionate about accelerated recovery time and patient outcomes.
To set up a consultation with Dr. Stchur, call our offices at (941) 629-6262 or complete our online appointment request form.
