Reverse TSR

Following a reverse geometry shoulder replacement you will have a dressing over the surgical incision.

This remains for 10-14 days after surgery. The dressing is kept clean and dry. A drain will be used; this will be removed within 24- 48 hours. Antibiotics will be given in the immediate post-surgical period. Dissolvable sutures are used and do not need to be removed. The arm is kept in a sling or brace for 2-4 weeks.

The sling is worn both for comfort and also to remind you not to do any activity that may damage the shoulder. You are allowed to take the sling off in a safe environment and do simple exercises as per your doctor and physiotherapist. Pain is usually well controlled and medication to control pain is taken as needed.

Rehabilitation is carried out under the supervision of your doctor and physiotherapist. The rehabilitation is often tailored to the specifics of your surgical procedure. In general, protected range of movement is followed by gentle strengthening. It is necessary to avoid certain movements in the initial healing period to protect the replacement.

Complications are unusual and most patients have good outcomes from surgery. Problems can arise from general medical problems such as cardiac or respiratory problems. Any pre-existing conditions may cause complications after surgery.

If you have a pre-existing medical problem such as a heart condition we will either contact the relevant physician or ask you to get their approval and guidance prior to surgery.Blood thinning medications are stopped prior to surgery except for aspirin. Problems relating to the procedure itself such as dislocation, fracture nerve or blood vessel injury are rare but can occur.

Reverse geometry shoulder replacement often follows multiple injections and previous surgical procedures on the shoulder. This results in an increased risk of infection which can result in failure of the shoulder replacement. Any infection should be treated early as possible and as aggressively as needed.

All joint replacement will have a rate of failure; this is less than 10% over 10 years for shoulder replacement.