Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (Part 2) – Timothy J. Treible, M.D.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty accomplishes many goals that have never been achieved before in shoulder surgery for rotator cuff arthropathy. Rather than replacing the ball and socket the way they are naturally in the body, the reverse is performed in which the ball portion is switched over to a socket and the socket portion is switched over to a ball. Doing this allows a new joint to be formed, which is now metal on polyethylene rather than bone on bone. Additionally, the muscles that are preserved are able to substitute for the loss of the rotator cuff muscles and allow the patient to flex and abduct their shoulder using their deltoid muscle instead of their rotator cuff.

This type of replacement is an evolving technology and, as with any new technology, I am sure that future changes in prosthesis design and mechanics will improve outcomes. At this point in time the reverse total shoulder seems to be the best surgical treatment for individuals with irreparable rotator cuff tears and severe associated arthritis.

More information on Timothy Treible, MD and the services he offers at East Portland Orthopedic and Fracture Clinic can be found at http://www.orthopdx.com.