Another Method For Your Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement surgery helps address pain, stiffness, and discomfort caused by severe osteoarthritis or injury. Most doctors use conventional replacement surgery, which aims to mimic the body’s natural anatomy. The surgeon removes the damaged shoulder joint and inserts a metal ball into the upper arm bone. A plastic cup is implanted into the shoulder socket to support the metal ball. This procedure depends on the health and stability of the rotator cuff. Now, there is another option called reverse total shoulder replacement, which has some fantastic benefits for the right candidate.
Shoulder replacement, but in reverse
Surgery is often a last resort when non-surgical methods fail to bring relief. With reverse total shoulder replacement, the process is reversed. The metal ball is fixed into the shoulder socket, while the plastic cup rests on the arm bone. This technique bypasses the rotator cuff, depending on the deltoid muscle for support. Reverse total shoulder replacement is ideal for patients with severe rotator cuff damage that cannot support the new joint. Here are 3 benefits of reverse versus conventional shoulder replacement surgery.
1. Enjoy an improved range of motion
Patients with shoulder osteoarthritis sometimes have severe rotator cuff damage. A new joint replacement still needs support from surrounding muscles and ligaments. The rotator cuff provides the shoulder with protection and flexibility, but if there is severe damage, range of motion (ROM) will be limited. The reverse design bypasses the damaged rotator cuff and uses the larger, stronger deltoid muscle to power the new joint. This can lead to more movement and function for the patient.
2. Increased stability
For some, conventional shoulder replacements may become unstable. The rotator cuff may be in good health at the time, albeit supporting a degenerated joint. When a new joint is installed via conventional means, the rotator cuff may have to work harder, leading to stability issues. This instability can lead to dislocations or chronic pain. The design of reverse shoulder replacements helps to lock the ball and socket together, which is less likely to become unstable. This technique may also lead to more efficient energy use.
3. May improve pain
Both conventional and reverse replacement surgery can reduce shoulder pain and stiffness. However, there are cases where reverse surgery can provide improved, prolonged pain relief. The innovative design aims to take stress off the surrounding ligaments and muscles. Thanks to efforts to improve this technique, there is also computer navigation and 3D mapping specific to the patient’s anatomy. Robotics has also been instrumental in joint replacements, reducing tissue damage and surgical errors. As a result, patients notice a faster return to activities and less overall pain. Studies show the procedure has up to 90% success rate.
Consider a reverse total shoulder replacement
Shoulder replacements can help thousands of people struggling with severe pain, stiffness, and weakness. Thanks to new innovations, patients have reverse and conventional total replacement options. While reverse total shoulder replacements are excellent, the procedure is not for everyone. Doctors typically recommend this technique if the damage extends beyond the ball and socket joint. For instance, patients with severe rotator cuff tears or other degenerative damage should consider this strategy. The right candidate can open a new world with less pain, more movement, and a better quality of life.
