Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Performed in Arlington, VA
A conventional total shoulder replacement can be very effective for treating osteoarthritis of the shoulder. However, this procedure is not as beneficial for treating large rotator cuff tears caused by cuff tear arthropathy, a severe type of degenerative shoulder arthritis. A better option may be a reverse total shoulder replacement, a complex procedure that is skillfully performed by the board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia.
How Do the Procedures Differ?
When performing a conventional total shoulder replacement, the surgeon implants a device designed to mimic the anatomy of a healthy shoulder joint, in which the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) is held in the shoulder socket (glenoid) by several muscles and tendons, including the rotator cuff tendons. After making an incision on the front or the top of the shoulder, the surgeon will remove the damaged bone and then place new components to restore function to the shoulder. This involves fitting a plastic cup into the glenoid and attaching a metal ball to the head of the humerus.
When performing a reverse total shoulder replacement, the surgeon swaps the placement of the plastic cup and metal ball, attaching the metal ball to the glenoid and affixing the plastic cup to the humeral head. Because this approach relies on the deltoid muscle instead of the rotator cuff to move the arm, it can work well for a patient who has cuff tear arthropathy. Essentially, it replaces the normal function of the torn rotator cuff.
When Is the Reverse Approach Considered?
In addition to cuff tear arthropathy, a reverse total shoulder replacement may be suggested to address:
- An irreparable rotator cuff tear
- Severe shoulder pain when lifting the arm
- A complex shoulder fracture
- A chronic shoulder dislocation
- A tumor in the shoulder joint
- An unsuccessful conventional shoulder replacement
In general, before any type of shoulder replacement surgery is considered, the patient will be encouraged to try nonsurgical treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, medications and/or cortisone injections.
For the right patient, a reverse total shoulder replacement procedure can provide effective pain relief and an outstanding result. If you have questions, you can request a consultation with an orthopedic specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, VA. Contact us today at (703) 525-2200.