Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Daniel Schwartz, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Shoulder Specialist, Seattle, WA

SC Joint Reconstruction Surgeon in Seattle, WA

Sternoclavicular (SC) joint injuries can result from severe trauma due to motor vehicle accidents or contact sports. Such injuries may be treated by reconstruction of the SC joint. Dr. Daniel Schwartz, Shoulder Surgeon provides diagnosis and individualized nonoperative and operative treatments for the shoulder including SC joint reconstruction in Seattle, WA. Dr. Daniel Schwartz, Shoulder Surgeon also provides the highest level of care during and after surgery. Contact Dr. Daniel Schwartz, Shoulder Surgeon’s office for an appointment today!

What is Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

Conventional surgical methods such as total shoulder joint replacement are not very effective in the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. Reverse total shoulder replacement is an advanced surgical technique specifically designed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a condition where you suffer from both shoulder arthritis and a rotator cuff te

Differences between Conventional and Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Conventional shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the ball of the humerus with a metal ball and the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade (scapula) with a plastic socket. If this surgery is used to treat rotator cuff arthropathy, it may result in implant loosening due to the torn rotator cuff. Therefore, a specifically designed surgery was developed called reverse total shoulder replacement to be employed in such cases.

In reverse total shoulder replacement, the placement of the artificial components is essentially reversed. In other words, the humeral ball is placed in the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade (scapula) and the plastic socket is placed on top of the arm bone. This design makes efficient use of the deltoid muscle, the large shoulder muscle, to compensate for the torn rotator cuff.

Ideal candidates for Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended for the following conditions:

  • Completely torn rotator cuff that is difficult to repair
  • Presence of rotator cuff tear arthropathy
  • Previous unsuccessful shoulder replacement
  • Severe shoulder pain and difficulty in performing overhead activities
  • Continued pain despite other treatments such as rest, medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy

Reverse Shoulder Replacement Procedure

Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

  • Dr. Daniel Schwartz, Shoulder Surgeon makes an incision over the affected shoulder to expose the joint.
  • The humerus is separated from the glenoid socket of the scapula.
  • The arthritic parts of the humeral head and the socket are removed and prepared for the insertion of the artificial components.
  • The artificial components include the metal ball that is screwed into the shoulder socket and the plastic cup on a small stem that is impacted into the upper arm bone (humerus)
  • The artificial components are fixed in place.
  • The joint capsule is stitched together, the tissues approximated and the wound is closed with sutures.

Postoperative care for Reverse Shoulder Replacement

You can get out of bed on the same day of the surgery and most patients will usually leave the hospital someday, but admission can occur sometimes for 1-2 days. General postoperative instructions include:

  • Take all prescribed medications as instructed.
  • Undergo a gentle range of motion exercises to increase your shoulder mobility.
  • Physical therapy will be recommended to strengthen the shoulder and improve flexibility.
  • Avoid overhead activities for at least 6 weeks.
  • Don’t push yourself up out of a chair or bed using your shoulder muscles.
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects.

Risks and Complications of Reverse Shoulder Replacement

The possible risks and complications associated with reverse total shoulder replacement surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Dislocation or instability of the implanted joint
  • Fracture of the humerus or scapula
  • Damage to nerves or blood vessels
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Wound irritation
  • Arm length discrepancies
  • Wearing out of the components

If you would like additional information on the treatment of shoulder conditions or to learn more about SC joint reconstruction, please contact Dr. Daniel Schwartz, Shoulder Surgeon, serving the communities of Seattle, WA.

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