What is

primary reverse total shoulder replacement?

Reverse shoulder replacement

Primary reverse total shoulder replacement addresses shoulder joint problems that a primary anatomic total shoulder, and hemi shoulder replacement may not be able to. During a reverse total shoulder replacement, the ball (humeral head) of the shoulder joint is replaced with an implant that includes a stem with a curved plastic tray. The socket (glenoid) is fitted with a metal base which is connected to the rounded metal head. Reverse total shoulder replacement changes the natural ball and socket anatomy of the shoulder joint, allowing the stronger deltoid muscles to take over for strength and function1. 

Stryker offers a comprehensive portfolio of reverse shoulder replacement solutions, led by the Tornier Perform Reverse Shoulder System – a modern, flexible platform built on the Perform humeral foundation. Designed for use with Stryker’s Blueprint 3D planning software, which allows your orthopedic surgeon to develop a pre-operative plan and optional patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) for your shoulder replacement prior to surgery.  

Another implant offering is the Shoulder iD Primary Reversed Glenoid. This implant is a patient-matched implant. It is unique in that it is planned within certain design parameters to match your unique anatomy. Before surgery, the orthopedic surgeon conducts a virtual shoulder replacement using CT scan images of your shoulder and our surgical planning software, Blueprint. Your surgeon will perform your actual procedure based off your personalized plan.  

We encourage you to talk to your surgeon to learn more about our shoulder solutions and to see which of these implant offerings may be right for you. 

What happens during the actual procedure?

A typical primary reverse total shoulder procedure will look something like this: the surgeon makes an incision to expose the top (head) of the humerus and uses a cutting guide and preoperative plan to determine the appropriate amount of diseased bone to remove. Once prepared, the humerus is ready to be fitted for a stem inserted into the bone. The surgeon will then prepare the shoulder socket (glenoid), securing a round plate to the bone with multiple screws.2 The rounded metal plate connects to a spherical metal head, which articulates with the humeral stem polyethylene component. Reverse total shoulder replacement changes the natural ball and socket anatomy of the shoulder joint, allowing the stronger deltoid muscles to take over for strength and function.  

After rehabilitation, you may be able to lift your arm to just above shoulder height and bend your elbow to reach the top of your head or into a cupboard. Reverse total shoulder replacement has been shown to offer pain relief and patient satisfaction.2 

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Important information

Shoulder replacement

Anatomic total shoulder joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with painful, disabling joint disease of the shoulder resulting from: degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis. Additional indications could include but not limited to: aseptic necrosis of the humeral head, proximal humeral fracture and revision of previous unsuccessful hemiarthroplasty or other procedures.

Reverse total shoulder joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with a functional deltoid muscle and with massive and non-repairable rotator cuff tear with pain disabled by: rheumatoid arthritis, non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease, humeral head fracture, traumatic arthritis and revision of devices if adequate bone stock remains.

Shoulder joint replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with any active or suspected latent infection in or about the shoulder joint, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis in stability, prosthesis fixation failure or complications in postoperative care. Additionally, shoulder joint replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients whose anticipated activities would impose high stresses on the prosthesis and its fixation.

As with any surgery, shoulder joint replacement surgery has serious risks which include, but are not limited to, pain, infection, intraoperative complications, component wear, nerve damage, loosening of shoulder components and dislocation of the shoulder prosthesis.

Implant related risks which may lead to a revision or removal of the implant include being overweight, manual labor activities, some sports activities, patient age, activity level, medical conditions, alcohol or drug addiction, and mental disorders. Shoulder joint implants may not provide the same feel or performance characteristics experienced with a normal healthy joint

The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is appropriate for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will return to the same activity level. The lifetime of any joint replacement is limited and depends on several factors like patient weight and activity level. Your doctor will counsel you about strategies to potentially prolong the lifetime of the device, including avoiding high-impact activities, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to closely follow your doctor’s instructions regarding post-surgery activity, treatment, and follow-up care. Ask your doctor if a joint replacement is right for you.

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Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Blueprint, ReUnion, Simpliciti, Shoulder iD, Stryker, Tornier. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

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OT-AWI-53 Oct-2023

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