Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder

Are you happy with the results of this procedure?

T Balmer responded on Jan 17, 2022, almost 4 years after having this procedure. He was 58 years old at the time.

99% Happy! I struggled for 2 yrs with my shoulder and finally gave in. I didn't want foreign material in my body! Oh my! That was such a huge mistake. I went almost 2 yrs in agony, not sleeping, irritable. Less than 1 week after the surgery, the pain was mostly gone, I was finally able to... (more)

What was your recovery like?

T Balmer responded on Jan 17, 2022, almost 4 years after having this procedure. He was 58 years old at the time.

I was amazed at the process and how painless it was compared to the agony I lived with for 2 yrs. My PT lady was so awesome, she became a lifelong friend. I was back to work in 6 months and got stronger .... slowly, but surely. Within 1 yr I felt like I was about 95% pain free & 75%... (more)

About

A reverse total shoulder replacement may be considered in patients suffering severe joint arthritis with irrepairable rotator cuff tears or patients with a deficient rotator cuff suffering superior migration of the humeral head. Another consideration for a reverse total shoulder replacement may include malunion of a proximal humeral fracture or an irrepairable proximal humeral fracture.

The prosthesis used in a reverse total shoulder replacement is similar to a total shoulder replacement, however the prosthesis is reversed. Instead of the ball on the end of your humerus a socket is placed and instead of the socket on your shoulder blade (glenoid) a ball, or glenosphere, is placed. Hence the socket and the ball are reversed.