Reverse Shoulder Replacement (Delta joint replacement) for arthritis: Surgery with a reverse prosthesis can lessen shoulder pain and improve function in shoulders with failed surgery or combined arthritis, rotator cuff tears and instability.
Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Friday, June 20, 2008
RehabilitationPhysical therapy Limited use after total shoulder replacement with a reversed
(reverse Delta) prosthesis is critical for protection during the early
phases of healing.
In most cases we keep the arm in a sling for six
weeks after the procedure to allow for healing of the soft tissues. Most individuals find the recovery of comfort and function can be
accomplished without formal physical therapy.
Rehabilitation options It is often most effective for the individual to carry out her or
his own rehabilitation at home. Often no physical therapy is
recommended.
Can rehabilitation be done at home? In general the rehabilitation is best performed by the individual at
home. Occasional visits to the surgeon or therapist may be useful to
check the progress and to review the program.Usual response Individuals are almost always satisfied with the increases in
comfort and function that are achieved with the rehabilitation program.
If the exercises are uncomfortable, difficult, or painful, the
individual should contact the surgeon promptly.
Risks The rehabilitation program is safe with little risk.Duration of rehabilitation Once the rehabilitation goals are achieved, the exercise program can be cut back to a minimal level.Returning to ordinary daily activities In general, individuals are able to perform gentle activities of
daily living with the operated arm at the side starting four weeks
after surgery. Walking with the arm protected is strongly encouraged.
Driving should wait until the individual can perform the necessary
functions comfortably and confidently. This may take up to six weeks if
the surgery has been performed on the right shoulder, because of the
increased demands on the right shoulder for shifting gears.
With the consent of their surgeon, individuals may be able to return
to certain activities at six months after surgery. It is important to
remember that shoulder arthroplasty with a reversed (reverse Delta)
prosthesis does not restore the function of the degenerated rotator
cuff tendons so that the shoulder will never totally regain full
comfort, strength, range of motion or function. Stressful activities
and activities with the arm in extreme positions may never be possible
after this procedure. Long-term patient limitations Individuals should avoid activities that involve major impact
(chopping wood, contact sports, activities with major risk of falls) or
heavy loads (lifting of heavy weights, heavy resistance exercises)
after this surgery. In this way the risk of re-injury is minimized.
Costs The surgeon and therapist should provide the information on the usual
cost of the rehabilitation program. The program is quite
cost-effective, because it is based heavily on home exercises.
Surgery for Reverse Shoulder at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-BONE (2663) to make an appointment.
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