Reverse shoulder replacement surgery is a highly technical procedure recommended for individuals with certain shoulder conditions that cannot be effectively treated with conventional shoulder replacement surgery. In reverse shoulder replacement, the position of the socket and metal balls are switched – the metal ball is fixed to the socket, and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the humerus.
The reverse shoulder replacement recovery depends on whether the reverse prosthesis is performed as a primary or revision shoulder replacement procedure. It also depends on what underlying condition is being treated.
The recovery time to regain the normal function of the shoulder joint is significantly longer after a revision surgery than after a first-time shoulder replacement surgery.
Let’s discuss who can benefit from reverse shoulder replacement recovery and where you can go for reverse shoulder replacement recovery in Southwest Florida.
Candidates for Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery Recovery
People with specific shoulder conditions are candidates for reverse shoulder replacement recovery.
For some people, reverse shoulder replacement is an elective procedure; for others, it is necessary to find adequate pain relief and return to their daily activities. Typically, reverse shoulder replacement surgery is recommended for:
Anyone with Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is one of the most common reasons to consider reverse shoulder replacement surgery. The term rotator cuff tear arthropathy describes a type of shoulder arthritis that develops when the rotator cuff is torn or damaged.
Normally, when your rotator cuff muscles contract, they pull the head of the humorous tightly into the shoulder socket. This stabilizes the shoulder and allows the larger deltoid muscles to raise the arm over the head. However, when the rotator cuff is torn, the shoulder joint becomes unbalanced, causing an abnormal motion that leads to wear and tear arthritis on the joint surface.
Pain in and around the shoulder, weakness, and limited range of motion of the shoulder joint are the most common symptoms of rotator cuff tear arthropathy. These symptoms can interrupt your sleep, day-to-day activities, and routine arm motions like reaching behind your back, combing your hair, or reaching into a cabinet.
Reverse shoulder replacement surgery allows your shoulder joint to function without a rotator cuff. In the reverse shoulder replacement, the plastic socket is put where the humeral ball used to be, and the artificial ball is put where the native socket used to be. This results in a shoulder that is constrained less painful and functions better, lasting years without loosening the joint components.
Anyone with Massive Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tendons allow a person to perform overhead movements. When all four rotator cuff tendons are torn, a person cannot perform overhead functions, disrupting daily activities. A severe rotator cuff tear can make your shoulder feel paralyzed or partially paralyzed.
A reverse prosthesis is a suitable option for people with severe irreparable rotator cuff tears as it allows the shoulder to move without depending on the rotator cuff, restoring shoulder movements.
Anyone with a Failed Previous Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure for relieving pain and restoring the range of motion of the shoulder joint. However, some people who undergo standard shoulder replacement surgery for fractures, osteoarthritis, or other reasons experience lingering symptoms like pain and loss of motion.
Reverse prosthesis involves the removal of the existing artificial shoulder joint and replacing it with a reverse prosthesis to address the lingering symptoms.
Anyone with a Complex Shoulder Fracture
Complex shoulder fractures, particularly those close to where the ball is attached to the shaft of the humerus, may need reverse prosthesis. Reverse prostheses may also be a preferred option to restore function in cases where shoulder fractures cause the bone to break into many pieces or the ball to split into different parts.
Anyone with severe shoulder osteoarthritis and a dysfunctional rotator cuff
This is a particularly common condition in older active patients and is amendable to reverse shoulder replacement in those who do not respond to conservative treatment.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Recovery in Southwest Florida
Here at Advanced Orthopedic Center, our highly trained and compassionate shoulder surgeon Dr. Stchur performs reverse shoulder replacement procedures with excellent outcomes. Our reverse shoulder replacement surgeon performs over 400 replacement procedures on shoulders every year, making him one of the busiest and sought-after shoulder replacement surgeons in the US.
To set up a one-on-one consultation with our reverse shoulder replacement surgeon, please call us today at (941) 629-6262 or fill out our online appointment form.
