Is shoulder pain limiting your everyday activities? You might have heard of shoulder replacement, but what if your rotator cuff is severely damaged? That's where reverse shoulder replacement comes in.
Unlike traditional shoulder replacement, which relies on a functioning rotator cuff, the reverse procedure changes the mechanics of the joint. The ball and socket are switched: a ball is attached to the shoulder blade, and a socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This allows the deltoid muscle to power the arm, compensating for the damaged rotator cuff.
Reverse shoulder replacement is often a good option for people with:
* Severe rotator cuff tears (rotator cuff arthropathy)
* Previous failed shoulder replacement
* Complex fractures of the upper arm bone
* Certain types of arthritis
While recovery involves physical therapy, many patients experience significant pain relief and improved shoulder function. Talk to your doctor to see if reverse shoulder replacement is right for you!
