If shoulder pain or injury is making it difficult to lift your arm, sleep comfortably or enjoy daily activities, reverse shoulder replacement may help restore shoulder function and mobility and reduce pain. This advanced surgical procedure is designed for people with issues such as a large rotator cuff tear, shoulder arthritis or complex shoulder conditions that have not improved with nonsurgical treatment. 

At Norton Orthopedic Institute, our specialists offer both advanced conventional shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement procedures, including robotic-assisted surgical technology, to help you regain mobility and improve quality of life.

What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

In a healthy shoulder, the ball of the upper arm bone fits into the shoulder socket. During a traditional shoulder replacement, those parts are replaced in the same position by prostheses, such as a titanium ball and a medical-grade plastic socket. 

In a reverse shoulder replacement, the positions are switched. The ball component is attached to the shoulder blade, and the socket component is attached to the upper arm bone.

This design allows the larger deltoid muscle to help move the arm instead of relying on a damaged rotator cuff.

Who May Need Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

Reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have:

• Massive rotator cuff tear
• Shoulder arthritis combined with rotator cuff damage
• Severe shoulder pain and weakness
• Loss of shoulder movement
• Failed previous shoulder surgery
• Complex shoulder fractures
• Chronic shoulder pain or shoulder instability
• Shoulder conditions that have not improved with physical therapy, injections or medications

Many patients considering reverse shoulder replacement are older adults who want to return to everyday activities with less pain and better function.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Serious Shoulder Condition

You may benefit from an evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent shoulder pain
• Difficulty lifting or reaching overhead
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm
• Grinding, popping or catching sensations
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Reduced shoulder movement
• Trouble performing daily activities, such as dressing or carrying objects

Why Choose Norton Orthopedic Institute for Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

The orthopedic specialists at Norton Orthopedic Institute provide advanced care for everything from simple to complex shoulder conditions, using the latest surgical techniques and technology.

Patients benefit from:

• Fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialists
• Advanced robotic-assisted surgical capabilities
• Personalized treatment plans
• Comprehensive rehabilitation support
• Minimally invasive approaches, when appropriate
• Coordinated care focused on recovery and long-term results

Robotic-assisted Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Some patients may be candidates for robotic-assisted reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Robotic technology can help surgeons plan and perform procedures with a high level of precision.

At Norton Orthopedic Institute, surgeons use advanced technology to help optimize implant placement, reduce damage to the muscles and tendons and improve surgical accuracy.

Potential benefits of robotic-assisted surgery may include:

• More precise prosthesis (implant) positioning
• Improved shoulder joint alignment
• Better restoration of shoulder function
• Reduced wear on implants over time
• Enhanced surgical planning tailored to each patient’s anatomy

Minimally Invasive Reverse Shoulder Replacement

In a traditional shoulder arthroplasty (shoulder replacement), the surgeon cuts through the shoulder muscle (deltoid) and rotator cuff to reach the shoulder joint. During a minimally invasive procedure, surgeons make very small incisions, use narrow tools and preserve more tissue and muscle than in a standard shoulder replacement. Your surgeon will discuss whether you are a candidate for a minimally invasive shoulder procedure or a conventional shoulder replacement. 

What to Expect During Surgery

Reverse shoulder replacement usually is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with specialized implants.

Most surgeries take a few hours. You may go home the same day or stay overnight, depending on your health and recovery needs.

Recovery After Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Recovery is gradual and involves physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Patients generally can expect:

• Using an arm sling for several weeks
• Gradual return to daily activities
• Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
• Continued improvement over several months

Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved shoulder function after recovery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, reverse shoulder replacement carries some risks, including:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Implant loosening
• Nerve injury
• Dislocation
• Stiffness

Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss potential risks and whether reverse shoulder replacement is right for you.

Schedule an Appointment

If chronic shoulder pain or severe rotator cuff damage is limiting your movement and quality of life, the orthopedic specialists at Norton Orthopedic Institute can help determine whether reverse shoulder replacement is an appropriate treatment option.

Early evaluation and treatment may help relieve pain, restore movement and improve your ability to return to the activities you enjoy.

Choose Norton Orthopedic Institute for Your Shoulder, Hip or Knee Replacement

• Same-day appointments are available with no referral required. When you’re ready to take care of the pain, you want to get started.
• Our fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeons have the experience you can trust. They perform more than 800 hip replacements, 1,000 knee replacements and hundreds of shoulder replacements every year.
• Lower-cost, nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy, are considered and tried before we recommend surgery.
• Robotic-assisted surgeries provide added precision when placing your new joint and, with advanced, minimally invasive techniques, often allow you to go home the same day.
• Choose from 30 locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana for follow-up care.
• Norton Healthcare is the first health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV.
• We help you get ready for surgery and support your recovery with educational programs available online and in person.
• Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted. Financial assistance also is available.
• Your free Norton MyChart account allows you to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more from a mobile device or computer.