Reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical approach used if you have a damaged shoulder joint as well as a damaged rotator cuff. The rotator cuff supports the shoulder joint, holding the ball on the end of the upper arm in the socket of the shoulder bone. It also helps you lift, swing and rotate your arm. If your rotator cuff is injured or damaged, it can’t function fully after a traditional shoulder replacement and you may have limited movement and some pain.

With a traditional shoulder replacement, the surgeon replaces the ball on the end of your humerus (upper arm) with a metal implant and the socket in your shoulder bone with another implant. In a reverse shoulder replacement, the surgeon still removes the damaged ball and socket, but reverses placement of the new joint, implanting the ball in the shoulder bone and the socket on the humerus. After surgery, your new joint uses the deltoid muscle to lift your arm instead of the damaged rotator cuff.

Reverse shoulder replacement is a newer approach to joint replacement surgery. It’s not right for everyone. Our Orthopaedic team has the expertise and experience to determine if it’s the best option for you.