Reverse Shoulder Replacement

In the shoulder, a specific type of arthritis known as cuff tear arthropathy can result from severe rotator cuff tears or chronic deficiency. A conventional shoulder replacement would not be optimal for these patients as they rely on the rotator cuff for function and movement. Reverse shoulder replacement surgery would be performed in this case.

A reverse total shoulder replacement was designed in the 1980’s to provide an option for patients with severe rotator cuff tears or deficiency. It reverses the orientation by placing the ball on the glenoid or socket side, and the socket on the humeral or arm side. This allows different muscles to take over, and provides movement to the shoulder which was previously not possible.

The reverse total shoulder replacement can also be used to help patients with osteoarthritis who have a pre-existing rotator cuff problem or have developed one alongside their osteoarthritis.

With over 35 years of international data, and development, the reverse shoulder replacement has been shown to have equivalent or better longevity in some cases, than conventional shoulder replacements. 10-year data from the 2018 Australian Joint Registry Report showed that the risk of revision surgery for a reverse shoulder replacement, done for osteoarthritis, is 6.8%.

Patient Specific

Developments in technology now provide surgeons with the ability to use the patient’s specific bony anatomy to plan the surgery and use ‘virtual implants’ with computer-generated models. Soong uses this technology with all of his shoulder replacement procedures and meticulously plans the surgery beforehand. Once Soong is happy with the position of the virtual implants, 3D printed, patient specific models and guides are produced and used during the surgery to ensure accuracy of implantation.

Bone Grafting

Soong has learnt and developed experience in the latest advancements in bone grafting techniques that have a particular benefit in reverse or revision total shoulder replacement. This is known as a BIORSA procedure, which aims to provide greater restoration of normal joint mechanics and increased movement and function as a result.

Other Procedures

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