Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical approach used if you have a damaged shoulder joint as well as a damaged rotator cuff. The rotator cuff supports the shoulder joint, holding the ball on the end of the upper arm in the socket of the shoulder bone. It also helps you lift, swing and rotate your arm. If your rotator cuff is injured or damaged, it can’t function fully after a traditional shoulder replacement and you may have limited movement and some pain. 

What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

With a traditional shoulder replacement, the surgeon replaces the ball on the end of your humerus (upper arm) with a metal implant and the socket in your shoulder bone with another implant. In a reverse shoulder replacement, the surgeon still removes the damaged ball and socket, but reverses placement of the new joint, implanting the ball in the shoulder bone and the socket on the humerus. After surgery, your new joint uses the deltoid muscle to lift your arm instead of the damaged rotator cuff.

Reverse shoulder replacement is a newer approach to joint replacement surgery. It’s not right for everyone. Our Orthopaedic team has the expertise and experience to determine if it’s the best option for you.

What to Expect After Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Recovery after reverse shoulder replacement is similar to recovery after traditional shoulder replacement. You will have pain after surgery, but it improves as you heal. The pain from arthritis you had before surgery will be gone. Regaining function and strength depends on you and your commitment to taking the time and energy needed for rehabilitation. Your orthopaedic team focuses on you and will provide the care and encouragement you need to get back to an active life with less pain.

Contact Us

If you are considering surgery to help ease your shoulder pain, please contact us at askortho@stelizabeth.com for more information. If surgery is necessary one of our physicians can provide a referral to our affilated orthopaedic surgeons.