How does reverse shoulder replacement work?

During surgery, the surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and attaches an artificial ball to the shoulder blade side. A matching socket is fixed to the upper arm side. This reversed arrangement places the centre of movement where the deltoid can generate elevation with less reliance on a working rotator cuff.

The operation may be considered for selected people with a painful, poorly functioning shoulder, especially when a Rotator Cuff Tear cannot be repaired or has led to joint damage. Implant components may include a Titanium Implant. It differs from a conventional Shoulder Replacement, which preserves the usual ball-and-socket orientation.

After surgery, the arm is protected while the tissues heal. Rehabilitation then progresses from hand, wrist and elbow movement to controlled shoulder motion and deltoid strengthening. Avoid pushing up from a chair, sudden pulling and heavy lifting until your surgeon gives permission. Keep the wound clean and attend planned reviews so stability, movement and pain can be checked.

Contact the surgical team for increasing redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, new numbness or a sudden change in shoulder shape or function. Urgent help is needed for severe chest pain, breathing difficulty or a cold, pale hand.

Ask why the reversed design suits your shoulder, which movements are restricted, how long protection is needed, and which implant materials and rehabilitation milestones apply to you.