Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Anatomy
A reverse shoulder replacement is designed for patients who do not have a functioning rotator cuff.
The shoulder joint, called the glenohumeral joint, is made up of the humeral head (the ball) and the glenoid cavity (the socket). In a healthy shoulder, the ball fits smoothly into the socket, allowing for a wide range of movement. Surrounding this joint is the rotator cuff, which includes muscles and tendons that help keep the shoulder stable and mobile.
In a reverse shoulder replacement, the normal anatomy of the shoulder is switched. During this procedure, a metal ball is attached to the shoulder blade (glenoid side), and a socket is placed on the upper arm bone (humeral side). As a result, this reversed structure creates a more stable joint. On an X-ray, it appears as a flipped ball-and-socket design, similar in appearance to a hip replacement.
When Reverse Shoulder Replacement Is Needed
Several conditions can make a reverse shoulder replacement the preferred option, especially when the rotator cuff is damaged or torn. Without a functioning rotator cuff, the shoulder becomes unstable and painful.
Common conditions include:
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Severe arthritis with a rotator cuff tear
Complex shoulder fractures
These problems can make it difficult for a person to lift their arm above shoulder height. As a result, patients often experience limited function and ongoing pain. Traditional shoulder replacements rely on an intact rotator cuff for support, so they may not provide the same benefit in these situations.
Treatment & Recovery
Reverse shoulder replacement surgery helps restore function when the rotator cuff is no longer effective. In this procedure, the joint’s design shifts movement and stability from the rotator cuff to the deltoid muscle. This allows the deltoid to lift the arm and support shoulder motion.
After surgery, patients often notice a reduction in the constant pain they experienced before. Many describe the difference as a major relief after living with long-term discomfort. According to Dr. Jones, this improvement in comfort also can lead to better function during recovery.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement tends to progress more quickly than recovery from traditional shoulder surgeries. Typically, patients begin moving their shoulder about three weeks after surgery. While complete recovery can take up to a year, most patients notice meaningful improvement within three months.
Dr. Jones notes that reverse shoulder replacements often recover faster than standard (anatomic) shoulder replacements. This is partly because the reverse joint is naturally stable. In many cases, Dr. Jones removes the sling around three weeks after surgery to allow for gentle movement.
Join Dr. Jones as he walks you through the steps of a Reverse Shoulder Replacement:
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Our Location
Dr. Christopher K. Jones, MD
4110 Briargate Parkway #300
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920
Hours
Monday: 9am-5pm
Thursday 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-5pm
