We care deeply about our patients, staff and community. As the situation with COVID-19 continues to unfold, we are taking precautions to reduce the risk of exposure at our Dr. Lee Orthopedics Idaho Falls and Blackfoot locations.
Every year, thousands of conventional total shoulder replacements are successfully done in the United States for patients with shoulder arthritis. This type of surgery, however, is not as beneficial for patients with large rotator cuff tears who have developed a complex type of shoulder arthritis called "cuff tear arthropathy". For these patients, conventional total shoulder replacement may result in pain and limited motion, and reverse total shoulder replacement may be an option.
A conventional shoulder replacement device mimics the normal anatomy of the shoulder: a plastic "cup" is fitted into the shoulder socket (glenoid), and a metal "ball" is attached to the top of the upper arm bone (humerus). In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the socket and metal ball are switched. The metal ball is fixed to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the humerus.
A reverse total shoulder replacement works better for people with cuff tear arthropathy because it relies on different muscles to move the arm. In a healthy shoulder, the rotator cuff muscles help position and power the arm during range of motion. A conventional replacement device also uses the rotator cuff muscles to function properly. In a patient with a large rotator cuff tear and cuff tear arthropathy, these muscles no longer function. The reverse total shoulder replacement relies on the deltoid muscle, instead of the rotator cuff, to power and position the arm.
This surgery was originally designed in the 1980s in Europe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use in the United States in 2003.
Reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have:
Give us a call today to schedule an evaluation. We can develop a treatment plan that is unique to your needs. (208) 785-1044.
For more information regarding our services visit http://www.drleeorthopedics.com/services
You Might Also Enjoy...
We care deeply about our patients, staff and community. As the situation with COVID-19 continues to unfold, we are taking precautions to reduce the risk of exposure at our Dr. Lee Orthopedics Idaho Falls and Blackfoot locations.
Are you struggling with hip pain? Dr. Robert Lee addresses FAQ regarding hip pain causes, at-home treatments, when to seek help, what to expect during your appointment, surgery options, and what to expect after a hip replacement surgery.
Did you know that Orthopedic surgeons can use an Anterior approach to hip replacement? Typically, Orthopedics use the Posterior or Lateral approach. The Anterior approach used in hip surgery has multiple benefits.