Signs & Symptoms
Some signs and symptoms that may necessitate a full evaluation by a physician for reverse shoulder replacement include older individuals with significant pain and little or no movement in their shoulder and those with chronic rotator cuff tears with arthritis.
Surgery
First, an incision is made across the side of the shoulder going from above the collarbone to the middle of the upper arm bone.
This incision exposes the irregular joint surface. The head of the humerus, or upper arm bone, is then cut.
Next, the humerus is prepared to be replaced with a long metal piece made to imitate the original humeral head.
At this point, depending on the level of damage to the scapula or shoulder bone, the surgeon will smooth out the bone and cap it with a plastic or metal piece.
The prosthesis is then set into place securely by using several screws, and sometimes a cement.