When it’s time for a total shoulder replacement, it’s important to choose a surgical team that will execute the best surgical plan for each patient to maximize their results while minimizing risk.
The Indiana Joint Replacement Institute is led by Dr. R. Michael Meneghini, a nationally renowned total joint surgeon who has over 19 years of surgical experience and participates in orthopaedic research to improve surgical techniques and improve outcomes for patients. The board certified joint replacement surgeons at the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute have extensive experience with all total shoulder replacement procedures. We’ve thoroughly researched the benefits of each surgery, and will utilize the safest technology and surgical approach for each patient.
Our dedicated shoulder replacement team follows each patient through their experience ─ from evaluation, to surgery, through recovery. We treat everyone the way we would treat our own family, taking the time to explain the benefits of your treatment options, surgical procedure, and outpatient surgery options.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a member of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute team, please call 317-620-0232 or book an appointment online.
Anatomy of the Shoulder
- The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint.
- The ball is the upper part of the humerus (arm bone) and the socket is the side of the scapula (shoulder blade).
- Cartilage covers the bones in the joint to allow it to move smoothly and without pain.
- A thin tissue, called the synovial membrane, surrounds the joint and secretes a small amount of fluid to reduce friction.
- The socket of the shoulder is shallow (unlike the hip) which allows the shoulder to have a tremendous range of motion. But this also means the shoulder joint alone is less stable.
- The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that pull the ball of the shoulder into the socket.
- The rotator cuff, along with ligaments around the shoulder, keep the ball stable in the socket during use.
Arthritis can damage the cartilage that lines the joint to the point that it wears away completely and the bones rub together. This creates pain and stiffness that affects quality of life.
Am I a Candidate for Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder pain or dysfunction caused by arthritis, rotator cuff tears, fractures, or even other shoulder replacements that have failed can be improved with reverse total should replacement surgery. When everyday activities like getting a glass of water, putting on your shirt or seatbelt, or even sleeping becomes difficult, it may be time to consider treatment for your shoulder. If nonsurgical treatment methods, including medication, injections, or physical therapy, fail to relieve shoulder pain, surgery may be an option.
A thorough medical evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, X-rays, and other diagnostic imaging tests is needed to determine the extent of damage and if you are a good candidate for reverse total shoulder replacement.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Procedure
Total shoulder replacement surgery involves removing the damaged cartilage of the ball and socket of the shoulder joint and replacing them with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic. Reverse total shoulder placement switches the placement of the ball and socket. The new metal ball is placed where the original socket was on the shoulder blade. The new socket is placed where the original ball of the humerus was. This allows the shoulder to function without needed the rotator cuff.
- The ball of the humerus is removed.
- A stem is placed into the humerus and holds the new socket. The socket is now where the ball used to be located.
- Damaged cartilage from the socket is removed.
- A new metal ball is attached to the shoulder blade. The ball is now located where the socket used to be.
Indiana Joint Replacement Institute surgeons use the same setup ─ including equipment, team, technology, and implants ─ to do reverse total shoulder replacements in either an ambulatory surgery center or a hospital setting, where patients can stay overnight if necessary.
Most reverse shoulder replacement patients are able to go home the same day of surgery. We consider medical condition, home situation, and social support factors to determine if a patient will be able to go home the day of surgery.
The Right Shoulder Replacement for Each Patient
- Reverse total shoulder replacements have about a 95% success rate for alleviating pain, restoring function and improving quality of life for up to 15-20 years or more.
- Our extensive research in total joint replacement procedures guides our mutual decision-making process. We will recommend what is right for each patient.
- Research shows that using a different implant makes little to no difference in how well or quickly people recover.
The bottom line: Choose your surgeon for their skill, and let them choose the best approach for you.
Recovering from Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Great surgical protocols facilitate great outcomes. The Indiana Joint Replacement Institute does everything we can to help patients recover quickly.
- We maximize efficiency to minimize surgical time and reduce the risk of blood loss and infection.
- We utilize modern technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes. • Most patients recover in six – twelve weeks by doing home exercises and then utilizing physical therapy.
- The goal of outpatient physical therapy, which usually begins 6 weeks after surgery, is to strengthen the shoulder and maximize movement and flexibility.
- Maintaining a light exercise program post-recovery will help retain strength and flexibility.
Special Arrangements
- At first, you may need help with activities at home.
- If you live alone, you may want to make arrangements to have someone assist you.
- Safeguard your home to avoid tripping hazards and falls.
Post Operative Restrictions
Reverse total shoulder replacements performed with modern implants, can last 15 to 20 years when properly cared for. People with shoulder replacements play golf, tennis, pickleball, swim, hike, ski, snowboard, rock climb, mountain climb ─ you name it. We generally advise against heavy or repetitive overhead lifting, which puts a lot of pressure on the shoulder joint, and may decrease longevity of the implants.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement in Indiana
Indiana Joint Replacement Institute surgeons, led by Dr. R. Michael Meneghini, have extensive experience in anatomic total shoulder replacements, and are committed to utilizing the technology and approach that works best for each patient to relieve shoulder pain and disability.
Our shoulder replacement team includes specially trained medical support specialists who assess and follow a patient’s progress from the initial evaluation to procedure, discharge and recovery.
All of our surgeons, who are board certified in shoulder replacement, value character, integrity, and perspective as much as technical skill, and we are committed to treating each patient as if they are a member of our own family.
To schedule a consultation with a member of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute team, please call 317-620-0232 or book an appointment online.