A reverse total shoulder may be a good option if you have an unrepairable rotator cuff tear, asignificant shoulder fracture, or a severe deformity from arthritis. Unlike a standard totalshoulder, in a reverse shoulder replacement, the shoulder socket (glenoid) will be replaced witha metal ball, a metal base plate, and screws. The ball of the shoulder (humeral head) willbe replaced with a plastic and metal cup attached to a stem in the canal of the humerus.
There is a biomechanical advantage to this configuration that will allow for increased overheaduse of the arm and decreased pain which in the past with a standard total shoulder was difficultto attain. Usually, the surgery only requires an overnight stay in the hospital, and shouldermotion can improve in about 6 weeks.
Contact the fellowship-trained surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates with 5 Houston Area locations to learn more about your surgical options and to regain your shoulder mobility.
