Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Did you know that about 53 million Americans undergo shoulder replacement surgery each year? Orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Brian Kindl, MD, and the team at New Orleans Shoulder Institute in Metairie, Hammond, and Slidell, Louisiana, proudly offer reverse total shoulder replacement to both men and women. This cutting-edge surgical technique provides an excellent treatment option for people with torn rotator cuffs as well as people with cuff tear arthropathy, a rare type of arthritis. To learn more about reverse total shoulder replacement, request a consultation today by calling the office nearest you or using the online booking tool.

New Orleans Orthopedic Institute

Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Slidell, LA & Metairie, LA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is reverse total shoulder replacement?

During traditional shoulder replacement surgery, your doctor plants a plastic cup in your shoulder socket and attaches a metal ball to your upper arm bone. In reverse total shoulder replacement, your doctor switches the location of both these objects. This means your doctor plants the metal ball in your shoulder socket and attaches the plastic cup to your upper arm bone. Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is particularly beneficial for people with a type of arthritis called cuff tear arthropathy. This is helpful because the operation relies on your deltoid muscle, instead of your rotator cuff, to power and position your arm. Reverse total shoulder replacement has a proven track record of success. It received FDA approval in 2003.

Am I a candidate for reverse total shoulder replacement?

At New Orleans Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Kindl and the team regularly perform reverse total shoulder replacement. They might recommend you undergo this type of operation if you have:

A completely torn rotator cuff
A complex fracture of your shoulder joint
A tumor in your shoulder joint
Severe shoulder pain
Chronic shoulder dislocation

You might also be a candidate for reverse total shoulder replacement if you’ve tried various conservative treatments, such as rest, medications, and cortisone injections, without any significant improvement in your symptoms.

What happens during reverse total shoulder replacement surgery?

Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery usually takes about two hours. Before your operation, you’re placed under general anesthesia, meaning you’re asleep during surgery.

Once the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Kindl makes a small incision at the top or front of your shoulder. He carefully removes the damaged portions of bone and joint and replaces them with artificial prosthetics. After positioning the new components, he stitches your incision back up.

What is recovery like following reverse total shoulder replacement surgery?

Following surgery, Dr. Kindl provides you with a list of recovery instructions. He also prescribes painkillers and antibiotics. You’ll need to stay in the hospital for at least a day or two following your operation. Follow Dr. Kindl’s instructions carefully and take your medications as prescribed.

Make sure to attend all of your physical therapy sessions and surgical follow-up appointments. The more involved you are in the recovery process, the less likely you are to experience complications or negative side-effects later on.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of a reverse total shoulder replacement, make an appointment at New Orleans Orthopedic Institute by calling the office nearest you or by using the online booking tool today.