Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Offered by specialty trained surgeons, and available at Waukesha and Oconomowoc Memorial Hospitals, this new procedure is designed for people who have exhausted other means of shoulder repair. At this stage, changes have to be made to the shoulder to reduce or eliminate pain and weakness.

What conditions can be treated with the reverse shoulder surgery?

The reverse shoulder is used primarily for older patients with rotator cuff arthropathy, a medical condition in which the rotator cuff muscles (the muscles around the shoulder joint) have degenerated or weakened so that they can no longer hold the shoulder joint together or allow it to function normally.

 In many cases, the causes of weakness in the arm may be from arthritis, a previous shoulder injury or a prior shoulder surgery.

The reverse shoulder replacement can be used in revision surgery, as well, for failed shoulder replacements and shoulder fractures. It is also commonly used in patients who don't have a rotator cuff.

W ho is a candidate?

Older patients who have significant pain and little or no movement in their shoulder are the best candidates for reverse shoulder replacement. The procedure is ideal for patients with chronic, long-standing rotator cuff tears or arthritis.

Your orthopedic surgeon is best qualified to determine if you are a candidate for reverse shoulder replacement. 

What are the benefits of reverse shoulder replacement? 

Patients see a dramatic difference in their range of mobility, and their ability to perform daily, routine activities.