Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Wayne, NJ

If you’re suffering severe shoulder pain as a result of a complete rotator cuff tear or a failing shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary to alleviate your condition. Seek help from the board-certified orthopedic specialists at High Mountain Orthopedics. Serving patients in Wayne, NJ, our team of medical professionals strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients and help them return to the active lifestyles they enjoy.

What is a Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

Shoulder replacements are designed to mimic the natural anatomy and function of the shoulder. In a regular shoulder replacement assembly, a plastic cup is placed into the glenoid (shoulder socket) and a metal ball is attached to the top of the humerus (upper arm bone). In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the positions of the ball and socket are switched. The metal ball is affixed to the socket and the plastic cup is affixed to the humerus.

A reverse shoulder replacement has several advantages. At High Mountain Orthopedics, we often recommend this as an effective approach for easing pain and helping patients regain the ability to participate in normal activities. However, some limitations may apply if the shoulder is too badly damaged. High-impact sports, shoveling snow, and other potentially problematic activities should be discussed with your physician.

When Should I Consider a Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

A reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended in a variety of cases after non-surgical means are carefully ruled out, such as rest, cortisone injections, NSAIDs, and physical therapy. This procedure is most often recommended for patients who have experienced:

• A fully torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired
• An unsuccessful shoulder replacement surgery
• Severe shoulder pain associated with difficulty lifting the arm away from the body or overhead
• A complex fracture within the shoulder joint
• Chronic shoulder dislocation
• A tumor in the shoulder joint

Our doctors are well-versed in this type of treatment. When diagnosing a condition that requires a reverse shoulder injury, the following tests may be performed before moving forward:

• Evaluation of your medical history
• A physical examination to gauge your range of motion and level of pain
• A blood panel to ensure none of your current medication will interfere or put you at risk during surgery
• A bone scan to establish the health of the bone and tissue in the shoulder
• X-rays to examine the physical structure of your bones
• An MRI to gain an in-depth view of the muscles and ligaments in the area

A reverse shoulder replacement takes approximately two hours. The surgeon makes an incision either at the top or front of your shoulder, removes the damaged bone, and installs the prosthetics. Our team works with you to ensure you’ll know exactly what to expect going into surgery and recovery.

Schedule a Reverse Shoulder Replacement Consultation Today

Seek relief from severe shoulder pain as a result of an injury or a failing shoulder replacement at High Mountain Orthopedics. We offer reverse shoulder replacements for patients throughout the Wayne, NJ area. Schedule an office or telemedicine appointment with us today.