If you have constant pain from a torn rotator cuff, the reverse total shoulder replacement may be a realistic option.
If you have a completely torn rotator cuff and suffer with constant shoulder pain, no amount of physical therapy or cortisone shots will subdue the pain to the extent where you can live a normal life—especially if you also have arthritis in this joint.
The rotator cuff refers to a group of four muscles and their tendons.
They are frequently the subject of some degree of injury, ranging from strain and overuse, to inflammation and impingement syndrome, to a partial or a complete tear.
However, other things can go wrong for which replacement of the shoulder joint is a viable option.
What is the reverse total shoulder replacement and whom is it for?
The shoulder joint is a “ball-and-saucer” structure. In osteoarthritis, there is bone on bone contact, which causes a lot of pain and is “usually associated with joint stiffness,” says Omer llhai, MD, orthopedic surgeon at The Methodist Hospital in Houston.
In osteoarthritis, there is a wearing down of the cartilage between the bones.
The job of this cartilage is to cushion the bones and to provide shock absorption.
When this cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced joint mobility.
The loss of cartilage not only disrupts the joint’s smooth movement but also contributes to the formation of bone spurs and inflammation, exacerbating the discomfort and functional limitations associated with osteoarthritis.
The reverse total shoulder procedure is not designed to remedy a tear in a rotator cuff tendon.
Rather, this surgery is for the replacement of the warn-down saucer part of the joint with a metal ball.
And the worn-out ball part of the arthritic joint gets replaced with a device — this device contains a big plastic cup.
When the saucer is replaced with a metal ball, and the natural “ball” is replaced with the cup, this renders the shoulder joint no longer requiring an intact rotator cuff for motion or stability.
Hence, the patient’s shoulder joint, with proper post-op rehab and physical therapy, should then function normally.
Prevention of a Torn Rotator Cuff
One of the most effective ways to prevent a rotator cuff injury is through strengthening exercises that target the shoulder muscles — in combination with GOOD FORM.
Exercises that enhance the strength and flexibility of the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles can provide better support and stability to the shoulder joint.
Incorporating activities such as resistance training, stretching and range-of-motion exercises into your routine will help maintain shoulder health and prevent injury.
Proper technique and body mechanics during physical activities are crucial for preventing rotator cuff tears.
This includes using correct posture and alignment while lifting weights, participating in sports or performing repetitive tasks.
Reducing the odds of injury can also be achieved if you devote time to warming up your shoulder joints prior to any intense lifting of weights.
