Procedures >> Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis

The Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis replaces the damaged joint. The metal-and-polyethylene implant mimics the anatomy of the natural shoulder, but provides a deeper socket to stabilize the joint. The implant is designed to compensate for the damaged rotator cuff and help reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis.

Keep Reaching

If you suffer from debilitating shoulder pain, the Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis may offer you hope for relief.

The Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis is designed specifically for patients with severe shoulder arthritis and irreparable rotator cuff damage. (The rotator cuff is the group of tendons that attach the shoulder muscles to the arm.)

Until now, there have been limited surgical options available for patients with severe deterioration of their shoulder joint. Conventional shoulder implants could not necessarily address both arthritis and rotator cuff damage. As a result, patients often had no choice, but to endure pain with restricted shoulder function.

How the Normal Shoulder Works

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with three main bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle).

In a normal shoulder, the joint is supported by the muscles that surround the shoulder. Shoulder movement is created and controlled by delicate interactions of 30+ muscles, tendons and ligaments. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that enables the arm to be lifted, reach overhead and do activities such as throwing and swimming.

In patients with severe rotator cuff damage, the joint can become unstable, severely restricting the patient’s range of motion. Over time, the out-of-balance joint can wear down the lubricating cartilage between bones. Bone starts to rub against bone, causing the pain we know as osteoarthritis.