What is Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

When traditional shoulder replacement is not an option

Reverse shoulder replacement is another variation of shoulder joint replacement. Reverse shoulder replacement is performed on patients with completely torn rotator cuffs or those who have had a shoulder replacement surgery in the past that did not relieve symptoms or significantly restore motion back into the shoulder.

In a healthy, natural shoulder joint, the rotator cuff is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder ball and socket, holding the two components together to form the functional joint and enabling a person to lift and rotate their arm. A traditional shoulder replacement needs the original rotator cuff to make the new joint function properly.

In reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the position of the ball and socket are “reversed” where the ball is applied to the shoulder socket and the plastic socket is attached to the upper arm. By reversing the components, the person is able to stabilize and maneuver the arm without the use of the rotator cuff, instead relying on the deltoid muscle to do the job.