Repair for damage to a prior reverse shoulder replacement
In late 2016 I received a partial replacement (new ball only) in my left shoulder. By late 2022 pain returned to this shoulder & I received a reversal replacement of the left shoulder. During this procedure my orthopedic Dr. discovered the ball prosthetic had worn out about 1/3 of the socket which resulted in moving the replacement prosthesis forward. This procedure resulted in removing about 2 1/2” of the humerus in order to remove the old ball prosthesis. Due to moving the prosthesis forward my range of motion was limited. After about 3+ weeks my orthopedic Dr. observed a patient who had a similar condition to mine but the prosthesis used called a “build out” provided for greater range of motion. After contacting the company who made this prosthesis & learning more about it he performed a second replacement using the “build out” prosthesis. In August of 2025 I began to have some pain in the shoulder & what felt like the joint “locking” up. I went back to my orthopedic Dr. for an X-ray that revealed one of the 2 screws connecting the prosthesis equipment had come completely out of the bone.
He advised he could go back in & examine the possibilities of replacing the prosthesis with new prosthesis provided there was enough surface area to reattach the new prosthesis. If not I would just have accept this condition but being careful in how I engaged use of my left arm.
Are you aware of any new prosthesis equipment and/or procedures to correct this situation? I first had my right shoulder replaced in early 2022 which was also a reversal but turned out great followed by the replacements described above on my left shoulder & after completion of all of the physical therapy I have been able to play golf 3/week. Would love to get back to that level of health. I turned 81 this past June but otherwise enjoy decent health. Covid-19 in March of 2024 resulted in receipt of a pacemaker & all is good at present.
Thanks!!
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