Total Shoulder joint replacement

During arthroscopic surgery, the doctor will remove damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replace it with artificial components made of safe, long-lasting materials. Through a smaller incision is into the shoulder that does not damage any of the rotator cuff tendons around the shoulder, any bone growths are removed, as well as the damaged section or entire joint. The prosthesis is then secured in place within the joint.

Reverse total shoulder replacement

If you have experienced a rotator cuff tear that is large, or may have developed a type of shoulder arthritis called “cuff tear arthropathy”, conventional total shoulder replacement may not be as effective as reverse total shoulder replacement. In a reverse total shoulder replacement operation, the socket and ball are switched, also using prosthesis of man-made materials. The ball is fixed to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the arm bone. Different muscles are used to move the shoulder after this procedure, relying on the deltoid muscle rather than the rotator cuff muscle to power and position the arm.

To schedule an appointment with a specialist at Main Line Health, call 1.866.CALL.MLH (1.866.225.5654) or use our secure online appointment request form.