Tens of thousands of patients have their shoulder joint replaced every year in the United States, and because it is such a popular procedure, surgeons are always looking for new ways to improve on the surgical techniques. One such procedure that has become more popular in recent years is the reverse shoulder replacement operation. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at how a reverse shoulder replacement differs from the standard approach, and we look at some of the unique benefits the procedure offers.
Why Consider Reverse Shoulder Replacement
A reverse shoulder replacement operation isn’t typically the first course of action when surgery is on the table. The standard technique typically yields fantastic results, but patients with certain types of shoulder damage may not be the best candidates for a standard procedure. A reverse shoulder replacement operation is best for patients who are dealing with rotator cuff tear arthropathy.
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy describes a situation where the individual is suffering from both shoulder arthritis and a rotator cuff tear. With a traditional shoulder replacement operation, the humerus is replaced with a metal ball and the glenoid cavity is replaced with a plastic socket. This allows the shoulder to operate as normal, relying on support from the rotator cuff. But if a patient has shoulder arthritis or a rotator cuff tear, these areas may not be able to provide support as intended following a traditional replacement operation, leading to pain and limited motion even after surgery.
With a reverse shoulder replacement, stabilization and positioning is dictated by the deltoid muscle. If this muscle is healthy while the rotator cuff is damaged, a reverse shoulder replacement could be the perfect solution. The deltoid can still provide support and normal range of motion, so you’re not sacrificing anything by pursuing a reverse shoulder replacement if you’re not a candidate for the standard approach.
Also, a reverse shoulder replacement operation results in significant shoulder joint stabilization. Arthritis and rotator cuff tears can weaken the shoulder joint and lead to pain, inhibited motion and instability. A reverse shoulder replacement restabilizes the joint and mitigates or eliminates symptoms caused by an unstable shoulder joint.
A reverse shoulder operation is less common than the standard shoulder replacement, so it’s important that you choose a surgeon like Dr. Holloway who has extensive experience successfully completing the reverse shoulder replacement operation. It’s a little more difficult for the surgeon to perform, but the patient reaps the benefits when it’s performed correctly. The two-hour procedure can even be performed on an outpatient basis, and you can expect to be in a sling for 4-6 weeks after the operation. Rehab is much easier than traditional rotator cuff surgery, and full recovery takes anywhere from 6-12 weeks.
If you abide by your surgeon’s post-op recommendations and follow through with your physical therapy exercises, you should expect to experience fantastic results. The majority of patients will be able to lift their arm above shoulder height and to bend your elbow to reach the top of your head or even higher. Pain relief is significant, and patient satisfaction is typically very high.
Contact a Shoulder Surgeon
So if you’ve been bothered by shoulder discomfort and non-operative treatments haven’t helped you find relief, talk to a shoulder specialist about your surgical options. Even if you’re dealing with issues like arthritis or a rotator cuff tear from years of stress and strain on your shoulder, you still may have a replacement operation option with the reverse technique. For more information, or to talk to Dr. Holloway about your shoulder discomfort, give his clinic a call today at (865) 410-7887.
