For people with chronic shoulder pain and immobility caused by a completely torn rotator cuff, severe arthritis, complex fractures, or a shoulder-replacement surgery that failed, a new procedure – called reverse shoulder replacement – offers hope for conditions previously considered beyond repair.
Approved by the FDA in 2004 (and used in Europe for over a decade), reverse shoulder replacement changes the way the shoulder works by reversing the ball-and-socket mechanics through the use of an artificial joint implant. This reversal enables the implant to function even when the rotator cuff is absent or when there is significant bone loss. The implant allows the large deltoid muscle that covers the shoulder to be used more effectively to lift the arm, providing increased mobility of the shoulder. The result is a shoulder that functions better with less pain.
“Seeing the change in people once they are out of pain and can take care of themselves again is incredibly rewarding,” said Lawrence S. Miller, MD, Director of the Cooper Bone and Joint Institute and Chief of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Cooper University Hospital. Dr. Miller is one of a small group of surgeons nationwide – and one of the most experienced orthopaedic shoulder surgeons in the region – to perform this newer surgical treatment.
Reverse shoulder replacement is an inpatient procedure with a hospital stay of about two days. Physical therapy begins in about two weeks, continues for six to 12 weeks, and “by three months, patients are exercising at home on their own,” Dr. Miller said.
Are there any new treatments for a frozen shoulder? I have been suffering since May with little to no relief. 2 years ago I had a rotator and labrum repair on the other shoulder (L) which resulted in a post op frozen shoulder. It took 14 months for a full recovery. I have not had any injury to the this right shulder and the MRI did not reveal a tear. I am very frustrated with the lack of progress.
Frozen shoulder treatment primarily consists of physical therapy to regain motion. You need to be patient and work diligently with the physical therapist and consistently do your home pulley exercise program. If NO improvement over a 9 month period of time, surgical intervention may be appropriate.