Connect
← Return to Say no to reverse shoulder replacement
Discussion
Say no to reverse shoulder replacement
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jun 8 2:26pm | Replies (108)Comment receiving replies
For those on the fence about having the procedure or not, here is my take on it. I've heard/read positive and not so positive experiences after having the total reverse shoulder replacement. In my case my left rotator cuff was damaged beyond repair. Orthopedic Dr recommended this procedure after first 6 wks of PHYSICAL therapy. The physical therapy DID noticeably help. After researching the procedure I had to weigh out the pros and cons. Right now I may have 40 - 50% use of arm shoulder. I can reach behind me enough to get dressed, no overhead strength or side lifting. I can live with what I have use of now. After procedure I would lose behind reach to a point. Limit weight holding and be prone to accidentally dislocating shoulder. In my case I chose to pass on the surgery for now. It will be 1 yr since I injured it and am learning to be cautious as it is. I'm 74, active as can be. If I was in constant pain or things really got worse I still have the option to have the procedure
Replies to "For those on the fence about having the procedure or not, here is my take on..."
Connect
@warrend In my situation, I had reinjured my rotator cuff to the point where the pain and loss of function gave me a poor outlook. So I retired (age 68) and went ahead with the surgery 12 months ago.
Most people are happy with a RSR.
My chief concern is that everyone undergoing this procedure needs to know the facts and watch out for a number of complications that can occur in a minimum of cases. In a perfect world there would be an information sheet listing known risks and a short description of these known complications for reference after the surgery, with advice to talk it over with your specialist if your recovery is atypical. This is very important if you live on your own, rural location etc.