Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

When might your physician recommend a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement vs Conventional Total Shoulder Replacement?

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.

What is the difference between a Conventional Shoulder Replacement and a Reverse Shoulder Replacement? 

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.

What type of injuries may benefit from Reverse Total Shoulder Surgery?

Reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have:

• A completely torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired
• Cuff tear arthropathy
• A previous shoulder replacement that was unsuccessful
• Severe shoulder pain and difficulty lifting your arm away from your side or over your head
• Tried other treatments, such as rest, medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy, that have not relieved shoulder pain

What to do if you feel you may be a candidate for Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?

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