What is reverse shoulder replacement?

Reverse shoulder replacement is an operation in which the position of a shoulder's ball-and-socket joint is reversed. It is essentially conducted for patients with damaged rotator cuffs, those with shoulder fractures, or shoulder arthritis. It alleviates pain and enhances functioning.

Your doctor may also suggest this surgery in the following conditions:

Failed prior shoulder replacements
A rotator cuff tear for whom surgery is not an option
Persistent shoulder dislocation
Shoulder joint cancer Shoulder joint complicated fracture

How Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery Performed?

Doctors perform this procedure using general anesthesia. In this procedure, the diseased surfaces of the shoulder joint are replaced. This procedure reverses the natural ball-and-socket configuration of the shoulder; thus, it is termed "reverse shoulder replacement."

This process helps replace the lost or damaged bone and functions of the shoulder. Screws on the socket side fix the socket to the shoulder blade. Then, by screw, the ball is attached to the socket. This process takes around two hours.

Hospital Stay— Nearly 5 days, one day before surgery and 3-4 days after surgery.

How do I prepare for Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Generally, the procedure can be done either as an inpatient or outpatient, but this will depend on your surgeon and your particular needs. You can discuss this with your surgeon beforehand.

You can also discuss any home preparation with your surgeon. Your surgeon can guide you on such things as:

When to stop certain medications, such as blood-affecting drugs
when to take a shower, bathe, or do whatever it takes before you go in for surgery
How much to eat or drink before your surgery takes place

You may also select the anesthetic and sedation which you will have at the time of your treatment. Traditionally, a reversed shoulder replacement is given under general anesthesia; however, some medical facilities can also offer more options.

Regardless of what, you would want to schedule a means to get home. You cannot drive after sedation and surgery; taking public transportation may also be dangerous to your new shoulder joint. You are urged to schedule someone to take you and assist in getting you home safely.

What happens after reverse shoulder replacement surgery?

1st day post surgery- Wound Dressing will be done and physio will begin as tolerated by pain

You will be immobilised with arm sling post surgery. To enable mobilisation along with improving tolerance to endurance, the physician will provide some gentle range-of-motion exercises. Along with this, a regular course of physiotherapy may be recommended for shoulder strengthening as well as enhancing flexibility.

The suture will be removed on the 14th -15th day from surgery.

Your surgeon may order a follow-up x-ray to track the progression and healing of your shoulder.

What are the complications of reverse shoulder replacement surgery?

Reverse shoulder replacement is an extremely successful procedure. However, there are the following risks and side effects;

Infection: Although this is rare, it can still occur as a superficial wound infection.
Damage to the nerves and blood vessels might present around the shoulder. Though not joint, this occurs infrequently.
Pain and restricted movements: Very rarely, residual pain can occur, and a full range of shoulder movements may not be possible.
Risk of anesthesia: Some people react differently to the type of anesthesia. This is rarely the case.
Dislocation of the shoulder joint: This is a rare condition
More surgery: After ten years, more surgery may be required depending on shoulder power
Loosening of the metal implants: This is the rarest complication that may follow after many years of surgery.

What is the post-operative recovery after reverse shoulder replacement surgery?

As your arm will be kept in a sling after surgery, the doctor will prescribe medicines to prevent infections-antibiotics-and alleviate your pains-analgesics.

The patient may be recommended to take different types of analgesics for short-term pain relief. These could be in the form of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, local anesthetics, or a combination of these.

You will be released from the hospital on the second or third day after surgery. You will then have to follow the home exercise program your doctor recommended.

The things that you should avoid doing for at least six weeks post-surgery, such as lifting something that weighs more than 5 pounds and avoiding extreme movements of the arm, will be beneficial.

What are the Pros and cons of reverse shoulder replacement?

A reverse shoulder replacement is a highly complex surgical procedure. The reverse shoulder replacement can be helpful to people whose shoulders have pain and have become immobile. However, although reviews about the research done in 2020 have been done, experts only sometimes recommend it to some.

Pros of reverse shoulder replacement:

It could help reduce pain.
It will boost your range of motion
It will boost your quality of life.

Cons of reverse shoulder replacement:

Surgery incurs the risk of infection.
Surgery may lead to joint instability.
The artificial joint may eventually wear out.
The bone surrounding the artificial joint could also be damaged during surgery.

How are the post-operative movements limited after reverse shoulder replacement?

Your doctor will discuss your activity restrictions after a reverse shoulder replacement. You'll often wear an arm sling or arm brace for a few days after surgery. It is expected to be told you're not to move the shoulder after surgery, at least for a few days.

Physical therapy visits may be recommended to strengthen your shoulder and increase your range of motion. Recovery time will vary depending on the complexity of your surgery. However, patients typically can usually return to eating, reading, using a computer keyboard, and dressing themselves by about a week after surgery.

Your surgeon and physical therapist will advise when you can safely return to all normal activities.