Ballywho News

The ability to function independently is often overlooked by those that have it. For those who have lost some ability due to injury or the wear and tear that life puts us through, regaining function may seem like a dream. Advances in medical science have come a long way and the gap between what can and cannot be repaired is getting smaller.

For patients with shoulder problems, simple tasks can be difficult. Some seemingly ordinary, everyday, activities become nearly impossible to accomplish alone. Sadly it seems as if one, if not both, of your arms is unusable and just a source of frustration and pain. Those afflicted with severe arthritis or people who have large tears in their rotator cuff (the group of tendons in your shoulder that help stabilize the joint and allow you to move your arms proficiently) may be candidates for a procedure called reverse shoulder surgery.

Reverse Shoulder Surgery Basics

The procedure has been available in the United States since 2004. It has a longer history in other parts of the world– it has been an accepted practice throughout Europe for over twenty years for instance. The procedure involves replacing the joint in your shoulder with a prosthetic joint. It is called reverse shoulder surgery because the new joint that the patients is fitted with, is designed opposite of the natural one. What this means is that the round or ball shaped end portion of your humerus (upper arm bone) is not round in the prosthetic version. The humerus has indented portions that match up to a round piece attached to your scapula (what you may commonly think of as your “shoulder bone”). In essence the new joint has the same features as your natural joint but they are reversed.

Benefits of Reverse Shoulder Surgery

This procedure is most often recommended for seniors. However there are cases in which younger patients are considered candidates. Some benefits to undertaking this procedure include:

• Regained function of the shoulder- After recovery, most patients who previously had a lack of range of motion, are able to hold their arm up at least ninety degrees. This is shoulder level, if not higher, which makes a lot more activities possible After working with physical therapists many patients can once again:
  • Eat and drink on their own
  • Brush their teeth
  • Comb their hair
• Reduced pain- Many patients who suffer from arthritis report that after a Reverse Shoulder Surgery, the amount of pain they experience on a regular basis is significantly reduced. This alone makes the procedure worthwhile for some as it is easier to enjoy life when your body is not in pain.
• Increased stability- Constant use over the years as well as weakened tissue can lead to an overall weaker and less stable shoulder. With the addition of new prosthetic parts, Reverse Shoulder Surgery, can add strength to the structure of your shoulder. This makes the joint more stable and allows for a better quality of life.

If you have questions about reverse shoulder surgery or orthopedics, please contact us at Blake Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552.