Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Do you suffer from a debilitating condition in your shoulder joint, such as severe arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, or failed shoulder surgery? If so, you may benefit from reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR) surgery. Performed by the highly skilled orthopedic surgeons at Surgical Solutions Network, the procedure reduces pain and restores the shoulder’s function for patients from Winnipeg, Manitoba; Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia; and throughout Canada.

Reverse Total Should Replacement With Surgical Solutions Network

Patients from across Canada and worldwide choose Surgical Solutions Network for private shoulder replacement surgery. Surgical Solutions offers a range of shoulder procedures, including reverse total shoulder replacement at our private facility in Etobicoke, ON.

What Does Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Treat?

RTSR is primarily used to treat conditions that affect the rotator cuff muscles, tendons, and glenohumeral joint. These conditions can include:

• Severe arthritis 
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy 
• Failed shoulder surgery 
• Complex fractures 
• Avascular necrosis

RTSR may also treat some types of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.

What Is Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?

A Total Shoulder Replacement is a procedure to replace the damaged or diseased shoulder joint with a prosthesis that consists of a ball-and-socket mechanism. In a Total Shoulder Replacement, the ball is attached to the upper arm bone (humerus) and the socket is attached to the shoulder blade (Scapula). However, in a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement, the position of the ball and socket is reversed from their normal anatomical orientation. The ball is attached to the shoulder blade (scapula), while the socket is attached to the upper arm bone (humerus). Your surgeon will work with you to decide which replacement surgery is right for you.

This reversal of joint mechanics allows the deltoid muscle, rather than the rotator cuff muscles, to take over the function of lifting and rotating the arm. As a result, RTSR can relieve pain and improve function for patients who have lost the ability to use their rotator cuff muscles.

What Happens During the Procedure?

During the surgery, you will receive general anesthesia, and the surgeon will make an incision in the front of your shoulder to access the joint. The damaged parts of the joint will be removed, and the prosthetic components will be implanted into the bone. The procedure typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete.

What Are the Benefits of the Procedure? 

RTSR can provide many benefits to patients who suffer from shoulder joint pain and dysfunction. Some of these include:

• Pain relief: Many patients experience significant relief from shoulder pain after RTSR, allowing them to resume their normal activities. 
• Improved range of motion: RTSR improves the range of motion in the shoulder joint, enabling patients to perform tasks that were previously difficult or impossible. 
• Better function: With the deltoid muscle taking over the function of the rotator cuff muscles, patients may be able to perform activities that were previously impossible due to muscle weakness or tears. 
• Increased stability: RTSR improves shoulder stability, reducing the risk of dislocation. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after the procedure. Physical therapy will begin soon after surgery to help you regain strength and mobility in your shoulder joint.

Most patients can resume their normal activities within 3 to 6 months after the surgery, although it may take up to a year for some patients to fully recover.

Next Steps: Book Your Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery Consultation

If you are ready to discuss your shoulder replacement surgery options with one of our surgeons, contact us to learn more and request a consultation today.