Have you ever had really bad shoulder pain that made it hard to do everyday tasks and caused you discomfort all day long? If so, you’re not alone.
Many people have shoulder pain, which can happen because of injuries or medical problems like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rotator cuff tears. When conservative treatments don’t help, doctors might suggest shoulder replacement surgery.
Did you know there’s more than one type of shoulder replacement surgery? Recently, a new type called reverse shoulder replacement has become popular. This surgery has shown good results in helping people move their shoulders better and feel less pain.
In this blog, we will learn more about shoulder replacement and why there is a need for reverse shoulder replacement.
Traditional Shoulder Replacement
Traditional shoulder replacement, also called anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgery where doctors replace the damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial pieces. Imagine your shoulder as a ball and socket; this procedure puts new parts in place of the old, worn-out ones.
This surgery helps people who have severe arthritis or really bad joint damage. Arthritis is when your joints, like your shoulders, get very painful and stiff. By replacing the damaged parts, the goal is to make your shoulder move more smoothly and reduce pain.
Why is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Considered?
Traditional shoulder replacement surgery aims to copy how the natural shoulder works. In this surgery, shoulder surgeons replace the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial pieces that help the shoulder move and function better.
However, this type of surgery depends a lot on the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help keep it stable and allow it to move.
When the rotator cuff muscles are badly damaged or torn, traditional shoulder replacement surgery doesn’t work very well. It often can’t provide enough movement or pain relief for the patient. Because of this problem, reverse shoulder replacement surgery was developed to utilize other healthy muscles instead.
Reverse shoulder replacement is also recommended in cases where a previous shoulder replacement fails.
What is Reverse Shoulder Replacement?
Reverse shoulder replacement is an advanced surgery for the shoulder. Normally, in shoulder replacement surgery, the ball part goes on the upper arm bone and the socket part goes on the shoulder blade. But in reverse shoulder replacement, these parts are switched. The ball part is put on the shoulder blade, and the socket part is put on the upper arm bone.
This switch allows the patient to use different muscles, like the deltoid muscle, to move their arm.
What is the Reverse Shoulder Replacement Procedure Like?
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before undergoing reverse shoulder replacement, patients go through a thorough check-up. This includes imaging tests like X-rays and MRI scans to see how much damage is in the shoulder. The shoulder surgeon will also look at the patient’s medical history and explain the procedure in detail.
The Surgical Procedure
Reverse shoulder replacement surgery is usually done while the patient is under general anesthesia, which means they are completely asleep and won’t feel any pain.
The shoulder surgeon makes a cut on the front of the shoulder to reach the joint. The damaged parts of the shoulder are then taken out, and artificial parts are put in place. The ball part is attached to the shoulder blade, and the socket part is fixed to the upper arm bone.
The surgeon makes sure that these parts are correctly and securely placed.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement has several stages. At first, the shoulder is kept in a sling to help the tissues heal. Physical therapy starts soon after reverse shoulder replacement surgery to help regain movement and reduce scar tissue buildup.
The recovery period is different for each person, but most patients will see a lot of improvement within six months.
Benefits of Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement has many advantages, especially for people with serious shoulder problems. This surgery changes how the shoulder works, which helps improve its function and reduces pain.
After the procedure, patients can often do everyday tasks again and enjoy a better quality of life. For example, they might be able to lift their arms to reach high shelves, play sports, or simply move without pain. This type of surgery can make a big difference for anyone struggling with shoulder issues.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement in Carmel, IN
At Total Shoulder MD, our experienced and board-certified shoulder specialist is dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments like reverse shoulder replacement. Our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen, understands the impact chronic shoulder pain can have on your life and is committed to helping you regain your mobility and quality of life.
To learn more about reverse shoulder replacement or to make an appointment with our shoulder replacement surgeon, call today at (317) 705-4392 or request a consultation through our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
