The Kennedy Center leads the way in innovative, less invasive surgery
The reverse total shoulder replacement system was developed in Europe in the 1980’s and approved by the US FDA in 2004. This innovative technique was designed for people who previously had no other good surgical options. Appropriate patients include those with:
- Severe, large or massive rotator cuff tear
- Degenerative arthritis
- A failed previous shoulder surgery
Normally, the rotator cuff and deltoid muscle work together helping a patient raise their arm overhead. When the rotator cuff is severely damaged, it loses function and it often becomes too painful to lift the arm away from the body or overhead.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), “In reverse shoulder replacement, the socket and metal ball are switched. That means a metal ball is attached to the shoulder bone and a plastic socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This allows the patient to use the deltoid muscle instead of the torn rotator cuff to lift the arm.”
Benefits
The major benefits of a reverse total shoulder replacement are the patient’s ability to lift their arm overhead without pain, which in turn means a better quality of life. Patients normally have less pain and more strength in the shoulder, leading to improved function.
This surgery does not allow patients to return to heavy work or athletics.