1. < Joint Replacements
Profile picture for sandramae

Shoulder replacement surgery

Posted by sandramae @sandramae, Mar 3, 2024

I am looking at total reverse shoulder replacement. I have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders. I have had both knee replacements, and did well. I am hearing mixed messages about shoulder replacements. I am 82 years old, but in good health otherwise. Any advice/experience would be appreciated

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Profile picture for harrie123
harrie123 | @harrie123 | 2 days ago
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Hi Harrie and thanks for your comments. I've had both knees, right hip and left shoulder..." + (show)
Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

Hi Harrie and thanks for your comments. I've had both knees, right hip and left shoulder replaced. My shoulder was an anatomical replacement. I'm 71.

I know a guy at the gym who has an inoperable rotator cuff tear. He won't get the reverse replacement because he doesn't have daily pain, although he can't do many exercises to strengthen the shoulder, upper back, and chest because of the useless rotator cuff.

The only option is a reverse replacement. He won't do it because he's "not in daily pain". I think that's a mistake. With a damaged RC, the shoulder is unstable and the humerus rides up against the clavicle, causing structural damage. I think he should get the shoulder replaced. He doesn't agree.

What do you think? Thanks Harrie.

Joe

Jump to this post

@heyjoe415
I’m with you. He may not have pain now but no guarantee of the future. The limitations with the RC sure affected my life in a negative way and I am appreciative of the results from the surgery.
Everyone makes decisions based on personal preference and your friend has made his. Trusting he has made the right one,
H.

REPLY
Profile picture for harrie123
harrie123 | @harrie123 | 2 days ago

My experience from reverse shoulder replacement was the right decision for me. Two different surgeons for each shoulder. The first surgery was a total success. The other had post pain that was an issue. Frankly, I believe the difference was the surgeons.
Do your research and get a surgeon with experience in SHOULDERS. There are specialists for a reason.

REPLY
Profile picture for debTrog
debTrog | @debhunter | 2 days ago

It seems both knees and reverse shoulder replacements can have variable end results and variable pain profiles during recovery.
My advice is to make sure you set up good professional supervision, experience in RSR, befor e surgery.
All the best!

REPLY
Profile picture for warrend
warrend | @warrend | 2 days ago

I agree with your friend. I too had damaged rotator cuff inoperable. Was recommended reverse replacement on that shoulder. After 6wk therapy, it helped but I'm not fixed. Limited use but am learning to live with the inconvenience for now. From what I've researched on the procedure, end result would leave me somewhat more limited than I'm currently dealing with. Everybody different. I can always get it done if it gets unbearable. For now I'll live with it. I'm 74

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.