You may be surprised to learn that the first shoulder replacement operation took place way back in 1893, and doctors have been working to improve shoulder replacement techniques ever since. This led to the standardized “traditional” total shoulder replacement, where the damaged ball and socket bones are replaced with artificial components in the same position relative to the shoulder joint.
However, as years passed and medical experts began to better understand some of the mechanics at play during a traditional shoulder replacement procedure, they began to wonder if there were other ways to address the joint. First proposed in 1974 and eventually pursued in 1985, the reverse shoulder replacement procedure switched the positioning of the ball and socket components within the shoulder joint. But why was such a move even considered, and why is the reverse shoulder replacement procedure becoming more popular in the 21st century? We explore the evolution of shoulder replacement surgery in today’s blog.
The Switch To Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
One of the main reasons that the reverse shoulder replacement technique has grown in popularity in recent decades is because of one of the unique benefits swapping the position of the ball and socket has for the affected shoulder. A standard total shoulder replacement surgery typically requires that the tissues that make up the rotator cuff are still strong and functional. Depending on the root cause of your shoulder issue, there’s a decent chance that your shoulder problem is directly tied to a damaged rotator cuff.
Although these tissues can be artificially strengthened during a standard total shoulder replacement surgery, if moderate to severe damage is present, there’s only so much a surgeon can do to ensure these tendons and muscles can adequately support the artificial shoulder joint. If your surgeon has doubts that your rotator cuff will be able to support and stabilize your new shoulder, they may turn to the reverse method.
With a reverse shoulder replacement procedure, the artificial ball component is attached to the patient’s shoulder blade, and the artificial socket is positioned atop the humerus (arm bone). With these components in place, the surgeon can attach the healthy deltoid muscle in your upper arm to the artificial socket. Now the deltoid muscle can power shoulder and arm movement, and there is significantly less strain on the weakened rotator cuff tissues.
Medical experts didn’t just flip the positioning of the ball and socket joint by chance; there was a method to their madness, and that was to find a different way to support and stabilize the shoulder complex when the rotator cuff is severely torn or damaged. This makes it a perfect procedure for patients who have tried to strengthen their rotator cuff muscles and tendons to no avail.
While the difference may be significant on the inside, it won’t be obvious to the outside observer that these components have switched positions. You will regain significant movement, flexibility and function in the shoulder, allowing you to comfortably perform daily tasks once again. Recovery from the reverse shoulder replacement operation will be measured in months, but if a reverse replacement is on the table, it means that there is significant damage in your shoulder complex, and it will be worth it when all is said and done.
If you’re interested in learning more about the reverse shoulder replacement procedure, or you have a specific shoulder issue that warrants attention, consider reaching out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
