Are there any special precautions that I need to take after this surgery?
You should aim to keep your operative arm flexed in front of your body so that you can see the elbow. To do this while you are lying down or sleeping, place a small pillow behind your elbow. This is very important in the first 6 weeks because the shoulder is at greatest risk for dislocation during this time.
The position in which your shoulder is at greatest risk for dislocation is the same position as when you would when you reach into your back pocket. Avoiding this position in the first 6 weeks will help you prevent dislocation of the shoulder.
Will I do physical therapy after a reverse total shoulder replacement?
Likely you will do some physical therapy after reverse total shoulder replacement. However the timing and specifics of the therapy may differ from anatomic shoulder replacement in some ways.
Some patients will start physical therapy in a delayed fashion after reverse shoulder replacement. Some will do most or all of their physical therapy from home. Your case may vary so be sure to talk with your physician about your individual case.
What types of activities can I do after reverse total shoulder replacement?
There are not a lot of long term studies to guide us with regard to activity level after this procedure as it has not been in existence for as long as some replacement procedures such as hip and knee replacement.
Therefore it is important to exercise some caution with your activity level after a reverse total shoulder replacement. In general light activity such as housework is ok. In addition, sports such as golf are probably fine. As with most joint replacements the heavier you use them the faster, they may wear out over time. It is important to consult with your surgeon about your specific case.
What materials make up my reverse total shoulder replacement?
The stem (humerus) portion of the reverse shoulder is the same as in an anatomic shoulder replacement. The difference is that the metal ball is placed on the bone socket and the plastic liner is placed instead on the stem.