Reverse shoulder arthroplasty and anatomic shoulder arthroplasty are both good options to return shoulder mobility and decrease shoulder pain for many patients. For a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket of the shoulder is “reversed.” The ball on the humerus, the upper arm bone, is replaced with a plastic socket insert; the glenoid, the natural socket of the joint, is replaced with a metal ball. For an anatomic shoulder replacement, the ball of the humeral head is replaced with a metal ball and the socket is replaced with a plastic socket, therefore keeping the shoulder “anatomic.”
While both procedures are good options, the results from an anatomic shoulder arthroplasty are slightly better than a reverse. Studies have shown that there is no significant difference between the two shoulder replacements in terms of baseline and final pain. Both are equally as good in terms of resolving pain issues with the shoulder.
However, an anatomic shoulder arthroplasty results in a better range of motion and return to activities than a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. A recent study found that the anatomic outperformed the reverse in measured range of motion including elevation, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. Furthermore, the anatomic outperformed the reverse in measured ability to reach a high shelf, lift 10 pounds, and perform usual work.
Dr. Carofino previously published research in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery showing that anatomic replacements give a more consistent result than the reverse. Click here to read more.
For these reasons, Dr. Carofino prefers to perform the anatomic shoulder arthroplasty whenever possible. For patients with rotator cuff damage, the anatomic is not an option, and the reverse provides a very good solution. Reverse patients still have a dramatic increase in range of motion, and patients are very satisfied with their result. However, anatomic shoulder arthroplasty patients are typically more satisfied as the replacement brings them one step closer to the function of a normal shoulder.
Dr. Carofino specializes in both reverse and anatomic shoulder replacements and see patients in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia as well as in North Carolina at Outer Banks Hospital.
