During this procedure, the surgeon replaces a damaged shoulder joint with artificial components that reverse the structure of the shoulder. In a reverse prosthesis, the ball is placed on the socket side of the joint and the socket is then placed on the arm side where it is supported by a metal stem in the arm bone (the humerus).
This procedure is most often used for patients who have had a failed total shoulder replacement. It is also helpful for patients who have had a complete tear of the rotator cuff, especially those whose injuries have led to an arthritic condition called cuff tear arthropathy.
A reverse total shoulder replacement may particularly benefit patients with certain injuries, including some rotator cuff injuries as it is designed for situations where the rotator cuff is torn or malfunctioning.
A reverse total shoulder replacement usually improves issues with pain and limited mobility and after surgery, the patient can use their deltoid muscle instead of using the rotator cuff to lift their arm.
