Shoulder Replacement Options
Shoulder replacement is a highly complex surgery and should be performed by an experienced and specialized surgical team.
Because there are different types of shoulder replacements, your surgeon will do a comprehensive evaluation to determine which type of implant is best for you. Together, you will discuss why this approach will achieve the best results.
Anotomical versus Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Anatomical versus reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Conventional shoulder replacement surgery is also known as total shoulder arthroplasty. When the prosthesis (replacement joint) mimics the body’s natural ball-and-socket configuration, surgeons call this an anatomic shoulder placement.
In a reverse total shoulder replacement, a surgeon removes the rounded head of the upper arm bone. Using screws and special tools, he or she attaches a plastic socket to the remaining bone. The surgeon also removes part of the socket of the shoulder blade. This is then replaced with a metal ball.
Your surgeon will remove the damaged section of the humerus and the scapula. Using specials crews, he or she will attach the metal ball to your scapula and the plastic socket to the top of the upper arm bone.
