Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgeon

An Overview of Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement as a Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis of the shoulder is a common, degenerative condition that affects the adult population. Sometimes brought on from a previous shoulder injury, and other times developing due to the aging process and natural wear and tear of the shoulder joint, arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and shoulder weakness that makes normal daily activities difficult to perform. Once all conservative shoulder arthritis treatment measures—both non-surgical and surgical—have been explored and/or tried, replacement surgery can be the next step in helping to alleviate some of the symptoms that occur with arthritis of the shoulder. Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park, Texas communities shoulder surgeon, Dr. Jeff Padalecki offers the reverse total shoulder replacement surgery to patients who have exhausted all other forms of treatment.

What is a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?

A reverse total shoulder replacement surgery, like a standard shoulder replacement, involves replacing the natural degenerated cartilage and bone of the shoulder joint with metal and plastic components. These components allow patients to have a more mobile, painless, motion of the shoulder joint. The reverse total shoulder replacement technique is not for everyone.  In patients who have rotator cuff surgery/arthropathy, the rotator cuff muscles may no longer function as they should, therefore, the reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is a better fit because it relies on different muscles (the deltoids) in order to create shoulder movement.  A traditional replacement approach relies on the rotator cuff muscles to function.

Are you a candidate for a reverse shoulder replacement?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Padalecki:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review with Dr. Padalecki.

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Padalecki.

How is a Reverse Shoulder Replacement Done?

The surgical approach for a reverse total shoulder replacement is similar in nature to the total shoulder replacement surgery.  In a standard shoulder replacement, the head of the humerus is replaced with a rounded metal component attached to a stem that is fitted into the humerus.  Additionally, the glenoid portion of the shoulder blade, or socket of the shoulder joint, is replaced with a plastic socket.  In a reverse shoulder replacement, the shape positions are reversed, so that the glenoid becomes a rounded partial sphere and the arm portion, humeral component, involves the socket.

Patients who have experienced rotator cuff problems and who have undergone reverse total shoulder replacement surgery have experienced good result in eliminating their shoulder pain, and regaining mobility and function.

How Long is the Recovery After Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

After shoulder replacement surgery, patients are placed into a rehabilitation program.  It is important for patients to follow rehab closely as this therapeutic process is as important as the surgery itself in reaching a full recovery. Initial therapy focuses on safe motion with certain restrictions for 6 weeks.  After a recovery period of 2-3 months, patients typically are painless and performing well with their normal activities.  A return to sporting activities is patient and activity dependent.

For additional resources on shoulder arthritis treatment, or to learn more about the reverse shoulder replacement surgery, please contact the office of Dr. Jeff Padalecki, Austin, Texas orthopedic shoulder surgeon.