Dr. Richard Thomas Discusses Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

At OrthoGeorgia, our surgeons perform a variety of total joint procedures in Central GA, including reverse total shoulder replacement. In this video and the transcription below, you’ll learn more about this innovative procedure from fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist Dr. Richard Thomas. 

What is Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?

I’m Richard Thomas. I’m a knee and shoulder specialist at OrthoGeorgia and today I’ll be talking about reverse total shoulder replacement. Reverse total shoulder replacement has become a fairly common procedure that we use to treat what we call rotator cuff arthropathy, which is arthritis secondary to a chronic rotator cuff tear; or for pretty bad shoulder fractures. We try to treat these problems non-operatively with modalities such as injections, anti-inflammatories, activity modification, and physical therapy. However, when these non-operative procedures fail, the next step is surgery, and the reverse shoulder replacement is a good option for these problems if all else fails. 

What Happens During Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?

Usually, the surgery takes about one hour and we do this in the hospital. You have the option of going home the same day or staying in the hospital overnight. We usually make a small incision over the front of the shoulder and what we do is we replace the ball of the ball and socket joint with a socket and we replace the socket with a ball. I do have a model here showing that. This is the socket that we replace on the humeral side and then we have a ball on the glenoid side which is really the opposite (or reverse) of what you have naturally. 

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Recovery

Usually, this will require you to be in a sling for about 6 weeks after the surgery and require pain medicines for maybe one to two weeks. Physical therapy starts pretty quickly at about two weeks after the surgery and usually concludes within about 10 weeks to 3 months after the surgery. What we aim for is good functional motion of the shoulder in which you can take care of your hair or take care of brushing your teeth with that arm, not necessarily full motion, and pain relief is the major goal that we’re aiming for. If you do have shoulder pain or think you may be a candidate for reverse total shoulder replacement, please call us at OrthoGeorgia and we’d be happy to evaluate you for this.

Personalized Total Joint Care in Central GA

At our offices in Macon (Building A and our Macon Spine Center), Warner Robins, Kathleen, Milledgeville, and Hawkinsville, we proudly provide comprehensive total joint care with the needs of each patient kept in mind every step of the way. When you meet with a member of our team, they will get to know you, provide an accurate diagnosis, and walk you through your treatment options. If reverse total shoulder replacement is the best next step for you, we will ensure that your questions are answered and you feel fully confident in your treatment plan. We want to help you get back to doing what you love – contact your nearest OrthoGeorgia clinic location to schedule an appointment today,