Reverse Total Shoulder Joint Replacement

The socket and metal ball are switched

Another type of shoulder replacement is called reverse total shoulder replacement. Reverse total shoulder replacement is used for people who have:
 
  • Completely torn rotator cuffs with severe arm weakness
  • The effects of severe arthritis and rotator cuff tearing (cuff tear arthropathy)
  • Had a previous shoulder replacement that failed
For these individuals, a conventional total shoulder replacement can still leave them with pain. They may also be unable to lift their arm up past a 90-degree angle.

In reverse total shoulder replacement, the socket and metal ball are switched. That means the metal ball is attached to the shoulder bone and the plastic socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This allows the patient to use the deltoid muscle instead of the torn rotator cuff to lift the arm.
 

Is reverse total shoulder joint replacement surgery right for you?

To help determine if reverse total shoulder joint replacement surgery is right for you, please call us at 603-777-1000 to schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation with one of our orthopedic surgeons.

See also Total Shoulder Joint Replacement