Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
A specialised shoulder replacement where the ball-and-socket position is reversed — allowing the deltoid muscle to restore arm function when the rotator cuff is severely damaged beyond repair.
What is Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty is a specialised shoulder replacement for patients with severe rotator cuff arthropathy, massive irreparable cuff tears combined with arthritis, or failed previous shoulder surgery. In a standard shoulder, the ball sits on the humerus. In a reverse replacement, this arrangement is inverted — the ball is placed on the shoulder blade and the socket on the humerus. This redesign allows the deltoid muscle to power arm elevation, compensating for the absent or non-functioning rotator cuff. The result is meaningful restoration of arm movement and significant relief from chronic shoulder pain.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative Imaging & Planning
X-rays and CT scans assess joint destruction, bone stock, and implant sizing; anaesthesia is administered on the day of surgery.
Surgical Access
A carefully planned incision over the shoulder exposes the damaged joint; soft tissues are gently retracted to access the humeral head and glenoid.
Removal of Damaged Joint Surfaces
The damaged humeral head is removed and worn glenoid cartilage is excised, preparing both surfaces for the reversed prosthetic components.
Glenoid Component Placement
A metal base plate is fixed to the shoulder blade (glenoid), and a spherical metal ball is attached — reversing the normal anatomy
Humeral Component Placement
A socket-shaped implant is placed on the humerus; it articulates with the glenoid ball and is powered by the intact deltoid muscle.
Alignment Check & Wound Closure
The arm is moved through its range of motion to confirm alignment and stability; the incision is closed and the arm placed in a sling.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Specifically designed for patients with combined arthritis and rotator cuff failure
- →Restores arm elevation even when the rotator cuff is completely non-functional
- →Significantly reduces chronic, disabling shoulder pain
- →Improves ability to perform daily tasks and some overhead activities
- →Durable, long-lasting implant construction
- →Durable, long-lasting implant construction
- →Physiotherapy maximises functional outcomes after surgery
“Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has been a game-changer for patients with severe combined rotator cuff and joint damage. The reversed design allows the deltoid to restore arm function even when the cuff can no longer do its job — giving patients back their independence and quality of life.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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