How is a reverse total shoulder replacement different from a traditional total shoulder replacement?
How is a reverse total shoulder replacement different from a traditional total shoulder replacement?
For decades, sufferers of severe shoulder arthritis have relied on traditional total shoulder replacement as a proven solution. But for individuals with more complex shoulder issues, such as a torn rotator cuff, this was not the best option. In recent years, a new shoulder replacement option called reverse total shoulder replacement has offered relief from pain and lack of mobility to those with more difficult shoulder problems.
In a traditional shoulder replacement, a plastic socket is placed in the shoulder and a metal ball and stem are inserted into the upper arm bone; the two fit together to form the new artificial joint. This solution still relies on a patient’s rotator cuff to move the arm.
Conversely, in a reverse total should replacement, the plastic socket is fitted into the arm bone and the metal ball is attached to the shoulder bone instead. This configuration is better for people with damaged rotator cuffs because the new joint does not rely on this muscle for movement of the arm. Instead, the deltoid muscle is used to move the arm.