Reasons for shoulder replacement

Your surgeon may suggest reverse shoulder replacement if you have

• A torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired, especially if you have severe pain and/or cannot raise your arm over your head
• Rotator cuff arthropathy (a specific pattern of arthritis in people with long-time rotator cuff tears)
• A previous shoulder replacement that was not successful
• Chronic or long-time shoulder instability (the ball and socket joint is not stable)
• Chronic or long-time arthritis with loss of shoulder movement
• Reconstruction after tumor surgeries
• Failure of non-surgical treatments, such as anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, or physical therapy

Who cannot have a reverse shoulder replacement?

People with these conditions cannot have a reverse shoulder replacement:

• A poorly functioning deltoid
• An axillary nerve injury
• Active shoulder infection
• Severe loss of bone stock on the socket or ball