If you’re dealing with significant shoulder pain or decreased range of motion in your shoulder joint, a shoulder specialist may suggest that you’re a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. This replacement procedure can be performed using both a standard or a reverse technique, and many people have questions about the differences between the two operations. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at each procedure and why one may be preferred over the other depending upon your situation.
Understanding The Shoulder Joint
Before we dive into the specifics of each procedure, it’s helpful to learn a little more about the anatomy of your shoulder. Your shoulder joint is formed where the upper arm bone, known as the humerus, fits into the shoulder blade, also known as the scapula. It is considered a ball and socket joint because a rounded bone fits inside the depression of another bone, which allows for greater range of motion. The joint is held in place and stabilized by a number of tissues, including the four muscles that make up your rotator cuff.
Damage to the rotator cuff is one of the leading causes of total shoulder replacement, but acute damage to bones in the shoulder joint can also lead to the need for a replacement.
Total Shoulder Replacement Vs. Reverse Shoulder Replacement
During a traditional total shoulder replacement, both the ball and the socket are replaced by artificial parts that mimic the movement of healthy bone. The implants resemble the natural shape of the degenerative or injured bone. With a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket joints are replaced, but the implant positioning is reversed. The ball ends up attached to the shoulder blade and the socket is attached to the upper arm bone.
But what’s the benefit of reversing the location of this ball and socket? A standard total shoulder replacement operation can be performed if the rotator cuff and tendons around the shoulder are healthy enough to support and stabilize the artificial joint, but if arthritis or severe rotator cuff damage is present these tissues may not be able to stabilize an artificial implant. With a reverse shoulder replacement and switching the location of the ball and socket, the artificial socket will be attached to the top of your arm bone, meaning the deltoid muscle will help to move and stabilize the shoulder more than your rotator cuff muscles. Most patients experience much more function improvement and pain reduction by pursuing a reverse shoulder replacement if their rotator cuff is moderately or significantly worn down.
If you’re not sure which replacement procedure would be right for you, have a conversation with your shoulder specialist. They’ll be able to take a closer look at the health of your rotator cuff and other supporting soft tissues in the area to determine which operation would be best in the event that conservative techniques fail to provide relief.
Dr. Holloway and his team have extensive experience performing both the standard total shoulder replacement procedure and the reverse technique, and he’d be happy to perform either to help you get back to doing all the physical activities that you love. For more information about shoulder surgery or a shoulder issue you’re dealing with, reach out to Dr. Holloway or schedule a consultation today at (865) 410-7887.
