What Is Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty?

A common question is, what is reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and are reverse shoulder replacement and arthroplasty the same? Yes, they are exactly the same thing—”arthroplasty” is simply the medical term for replacing a joint.

When performing this procedure, we go inside the shoulder and replace the worn-out joint with a new metal ball and socket. However, in a reverse procedure, the anatomy is completely flipped.

In normal anatomy, the ball is on the arm bone (humerus) and the socket is on the shoulder blade (glenoid). It functions much like a golf ball sitting on a tee. In a reverse shoulder replacement, we put the ball on the socket side and the socket on the arm side. Shifting your expectations about how this new joint works is an important step as you map out your upcoming recovery timeline. What this flip does is purely biomechanical: it changes the fulcrum of the joint, allowing you to lift your arm without relying on a functioning rotator cuff.

Initially, this innovative procedure was developed specifically for patients suffering from severe arthritis paired with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. If you were to put a standard, traditional replacement into a shoulder that lacks a working rotator cuff, you wouldn’t be addressing the underlying biomechanical failure. For patients exploring their treatment options, this technique is now frequently performed as a same day shoulder surgery, meaning you can return home just hours after the procedure to heal in comfort. Because the reverse design alters the joint’s mechanics, as long as your deltoid muscle is intact, you will be able to lift your arm smoothly.

When it was first introduced, the results seemed like magic. Today, we use it for many other complex shoulder conditions because the modern implants grow beautifully into the bone. In fact, roughly 70% of the shoulder replacements I perform now are reverse total shoulders. It is a wonderful, highly successful tool, and our patients love the outcomes.

Because it is a highly technical procedure, partnering with a fellowship-trained Dallas Shoulder Surgeon ensures that the implant is placed with the absolute highest level of precision, giving you the best possible return to a mobile, pain-free life.

Discover effective shoulder arthroplasty solutions. Contact Dr. Kevin Kruse at (469) 717-6183 for a thorough consultation.