Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse Shoulder Replacement in West Palm Beach, Jupiter & Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Severe shoulder arthritis combined with a damaged or irreparable rotator cuff can cause persistent pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or moving the arm. Reverse shoulder replacement is designed for certain patients whose shoulder cannot function normally because of significant rotator cuff damage and joint degeneration. Dr. Brian Hill, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, provides advanced reverse shoulder replacement care in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and throughout Palm Beach County, FL.
Dr. Hill evaluates each patient's shoulder condition, imaging, rotator cuff function, bone quality, activity level, and treatment goals before recommending surgery. For appropriate patients, he also offers Mako SmartRobotics™ for reverse shoulder replacement, combining individualized 3D surgical planning with robotic-assisted technology.
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 tear.
What is the Difference 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.
Who are the 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
What is the Procedure for Reverse Shoulder Replacement?
Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
- Brian W. Hill, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shoulder & Elbow Specialist 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 that is cemented into the upper arm bone.
- The artificial components are fixed in place.
- The joint capsule is stitched together, the tissues approximated and the wound is closed with sutures.
What Does Postoperative Care for Reverse Shoulder Replacement Involve?
You can get out of bed on the same day of the surgery but will usually have to stay in the hospital 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.
What are the 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
Why Choose Dr. Hill for Reverse Shoulder Replacement in West Palm Beach, Jupiter & Palm Beach Gardens, FL?
Selecting an experienced shoulder specialist is an important step when considering reverse shoulder replacement. Dr. Brian Hill is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with specialized expertise in shoulder and elbow surgery. His focused practice allows him to provide comprehensive treatment for complex shoulder conditions, including arthritis, rotator cuff-related problems, and conditions that may require shoulder replacement.
Fellowship-Trained Surgeon
His advanced fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery provides specialized experience in modern shoulder reconstruction and replacement techniques.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Dr. Hill considers your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, anatomy, rotator cuff function, lifestyle, and treatment goals when determining the appropriate treatment.
Advanced Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement can provide an alternative for appropriately selected patients whose shoulder function is compromised by significant rotator cuff damage and arthritis.
Mako SmartRobotics™
For eligible patients, Dr. Hill offers Mako robotic technology for reverse shoulder replacement, using 3D imaging and personalized surgical planning to assist with certain steps of the procedure.
Comprehensive Care
Dr. Hill provides care from the initial diagnosis and surgical planning through postoperative recovery and rehabilitation, with the goal of helping patients regain useful shoulder function.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement FAQs
What is reverse shoulder replacement? +
Reverse shoulder replacement is a type of shoulder arthroplasty that changes the normal arrangement of the shoulder's ball and socket. The artificial ball is attached to the glenoid side of the shoulder, while the socket component is placed on the upper arm side. This configuration allows the deltoid muscle to play a greater role in moving the arm when the rotator cuff is severely damaged or unable to function normally.
Who may be a candidate for reverse shoulder replacement? +
Reverse shoulder replacement may be considered for patients with certain types of severe shoulder arthritis combined with significant rotator cuff damage, complex shoulder conditions, some fractures, or certain cases of failed previous shoulder replacement. Candidacy depends on your individual anatomy, symptoms, imaging, rotator cuff function, bone quality, overall health, and previous treatments.
What is the difference between reverse and traditional total shoulder replacement? +
Traditional total shoulder replacement generally preserves the shoulder's natural ball-and-socket orientation, replacing the damaged humeral head and glenoid surface with prosthetic components. Reverse shoulder replacement switches the positions of the ball and socket. The reverse design can allow the deltoid muscle to compensate for an insufficient rotator cuff in appropriately selected patients.
Is reverse shoulder replacement appropriate for a massive rotator cuff tear? +
A massive or irreparable rotator cuff tear does not automatically mean reverse shoulder replacement is necessary. The procedure may be considered when significant rotator cuff dysfunction is accompanied by other factors, such as painful arthritis or substantial loss of shoulder function. Dr. Hill can evaluate your shoulder and determine whether reverse replacement or another treatment is appropriate.
How long does recovery take after reverse shoulder replacement? +
Recovery varies among patients and depends on factors including the condition of the shoulder before surgery, overall health, procedure performed, and progress with rehabilitation. A sling is commonly used during the early recovery period, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Your surgeon and physical therapist will provide specific instructions regarding exercises, lifting, and gradually returning to activities.
What are the risks of reverse shoulder replacement? +
As with any major surgery, reverse shoulder replacement has potential risks. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury, instability or dislocation, fracture, stiffness, implant loosening or wear, blood clots, and persistent pain or limited function. Dr. Hill will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you before surgery.
Can Mako robotic technology be used for reverse shoulder replacement? +
Mako SmartRobotics™ can be used for appropriate reverse shoulder replacement procedures. The technology combines advanced imaging and 3D surgical planning with robotic assistance during certain steps of surgery. Whether robotic-assisted surgery is appropriate depends on the patient's diagnosis, anatomy, and surgical needs.
Can Mako robotic technology be used for reverse shoulder replacement? +
Mako SmartRobotics™ can be used for appropriate reverse shoulder replacement procedures. The technology combines advanced imaging and 3D surgical planning with robotic assistance during certain steps of surgery. Whether robotic-assisted surgery is appropriate depends on the patient's diagnosis, anatomy, and surgical needs.
Schedule a Reverse Shoulder Replacement Consultation in Palm Beach County, FL
If severe shoulder pain, arthritis, or rotator cuff damage is making it difficult to work, sleep, exercise, or perform everyday activities, a specialized evaluation can help you understand your treatment options.
Dr. Brian Hill provides advanced reverse shoulder replacement care for patients in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and surrounding Palm Beach County communities. Contact Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute to schedule a consultation and discuss whether reverse shoulder replacement, including Mako robotic-assisted treatment when appropriate, may be right for you.
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