Chandler, AZ, October 15, 2013 -- Doctors at OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates are now performing a reverse total shoulder replacement.

Every year, thousands of conventional total shoulder replacements are successfully done in the United States for patients with shoulder arthritis. Such surgery is not indicated for patients who have large rotator cuff tears and that have developed cuff tear arthropathy, a complex type of shoulder arthritis.

Because of these conditions, a conventional total shoulder replacement would fail and wear out quickly for patients with both of these conditions simultaneously. For these people, the reverse total shoulder replacement may be an option.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Description

A conventional shoulder replacement device mimics the normal anatomy of the shoulder, while a reverse total shoulder replacement reverses the mimicry of the ball and socket. This works better for people with cuff tear arthropathy because it relies on arm movement powered by the strong deltoid muscle of the shoulder, and is not dependent on the rotator cuff to balance the prosthetic components.

In a healthy shoulder, the rotator cuff muscles help position and balance the joint when the arm is taken through range-of-motion tasks. A conventional replacement device also uses the same rotator cuff muscles to function properly.

In a patient with a large rotator cuff tear and cuff tear arthropathy, the rotator cuff tendons no longer function properly, forcing orthopedic surgeons to use a different method. Since the reverse total shoulder replacement relies on the deltoid muscles, instead of the rotator cuff, to power and position the arm, this procedure provides the proper solution for patients with large rotator cuff tears and cuff tear arthropathy.

“There are several scenarios where a reverse total shoulder replacement may be beneficial for you,” said Dr. Shelden Martin said. “If you have a torn rotator cuff that can’t be repaired and have developed shoulder arthritis, you might be a candidate for a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.”

Other instances where the surgery is recommended include when a previous shoulder replacement surgery or rotator cuff surgeries were unsuccessful, and increasingly in the setting of elderly patients who sustain severe fractures. Surgery is typically considered an option for all of these conditions when patients’ shoulder pain and difficulty lifting the arm persists despite having adequately tried other nonoperative treatments including medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy, Dr. Martin said.

Long-Term Outcomes

Following rehabilitation, patients have increased mobility of their arms, typically allowing them to raise their arms above shoulder height. Reverse total shoulder replacement patients will also see a decrease in pain. Post-surgery satisfaction is typically high for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, too.

“At OrthoArizona, we use the latest nonoperative and surgical treatments for a wide range of orthopedic problems and sports related injuries,” Dr. Martin said. “Our job is to get you back to activity as soon as possible.”

For more information on OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, please call (602) 631-3161 or visit www.aoa.md. Find out more about Arizona Orthopaedic Associates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aoaatgateway and Twitter at www.twitter.com/aoaatgateway. Learn more about Dr. Martin on his website www.orthopedicarizona.com and follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrSheldenMartin and Twitter at www.twitter.com/DrSheldenMartin.

About OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates:
OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates strives to improve the quality of life of our patients and their families through outstanding orthopedic care. OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates is committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality of orthopedic care possible. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, top-rated and board-certified orthopedic surgeons strive to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all treatment plans as a way to alleviate possible future difficulties.

Contact:
Al Stevens
OrthoArizona - Arizona Gateway Associates
690 N. Cofco Center Ct, Suite 290
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 631-3161
480-648-1770
[email protected]
http://www.aoa.md