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Reverse Shoulder Replacement

At Beaufort Memorial, many patients benefit from total shoulder replacement, a procedure which replaces an arthritic shoulder with state-of-the-art artificial parts. But, if you’re dealing with a fully torn rotator cuff or another complex problem, you may be a good candidate for reverse shoulder replacement – an alternate option to help relieve shoulder pain and restore motion and strength.

Discuss your symptoms or pain with our orthopedic care coordinator at 843-522-7435 or find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder replacement.

Getting Your Shoulder Back in Motion

With conventional shoulder replacement, the implant mimics the natural anatomy of the shoulder: a plastic “cup” is fitted into the shoulder socket, and a metal ball is attached to the top of the upper arm bone (humerus).

In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the socket and metal ball are switched, meaning their natural position is reversed. The metal ball is fixed to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the humerus. This allows you to use the deltoid muscle, instead of rotator cuff, to move and lift your arm.

Your Beaufort surgeon will work with you to help determine if reverse shoulder replacement is right for you. It is typically recommended for patients with:

  • A completely torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired with treatments like arthroscopy
  • Cuff tear arthropathy, a complex type of shoulder arthritis
  • A previous shoulder replacement that was unsuccessful
  • Severe shoulder pain and difficulty lifting your arm away from your side or over your head
  • A complex fracture of the shoulder joint
  • A chronic shoulder dislocation

Support for Your Joint Replacement Journey

Considering any type of surgery can be a little unsettling, but at the Joint Replacement Center, we offer everything you need to succeed. And you’ll always have a dedicated circle of support – including your surgeon, a program coordinator, specialty trained nurses – plus your own “First Mate” (friend or family member) to join you on the journey.