Manhattan Orthopaedic Surgeon Performs Innovative Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

“Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement is a key development in the field of shoulder surgery, which makes better use of the large triangular deltoid muscle covering the shoulder joint. The deltoid is responsible for shoulder motions to the front, side and back. This innovative procedure uses a reverse ball and socket which is specifically designed for use in patients with non-functional rotator cuffs and arthritis, but who still have a good, functioning deltoid muscle.” said Kevin Plancher, M.D. a leading Manhattan Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist and head of Plancher Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine PLLC in New York City.

(PRWEB) April 7, 2006 -- Every year thousands of Americans undergo shoulder replacements to help alleviate pain and restore arm and muscle function. The loss of arm function results from severe arthritis in combination with a tear in their rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles and their tendons which help to lift and rotate the arm as well as to stabilize the ball of the shoulder within the joint. For patients who have arthritis with an intact rotator cuff or a small reparable rotator cuff tear, the standard shoulder replacement surgery works well. However, this is not the case for patients with severe shoulder arthritis, who have rotator cuffs torn beyond repair and can no longer lift their arms to their sides.

“This type of patient now has a new option for restoring the function of their arm”, said Kevin Plancher, M.D. a leading Manhattan Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist and head of Plancher Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine PLLC in New York City. “Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement is a key development in the field of shoulder surgery, which makes better use of the large triangular deltoid muscle covering the shoulder joint. The deltoid is responsible for shoulder motions to the front, side and back. This innovative procedure uses a reverse ball and socket which is specifically designed for use in patients with non-functional rotator cuffs and arthritis, but who still have a good, functioning deltoid muscle.”

In standard total shoulder replacement, a plastic socket is attached to the shoulder blade and a metal ball replaces the head of the upper arm bone. The new approach achieves the same result but the components are simply in reverse placement.

“In Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement,” said Dr. Plancher, “we completely change the structure of the joint as the socket and metal ball are switched. The implant places the metal ball onto the shoulder blade and the socket onto the top of the upper arm bone. By shifting the center of rotation, the strength needed to move the arm is shifted away from the damaged rotator cuff and transferred to the healthier deltoid muscle. The general shape of the shoulder remains the same despite the fact that the ball and socket are reversed.”

Immediately following surgery, the patient may lift his or her arm and begin simple stretches to get used to the new shoulder and formal physical therapy may begin without any need to protect it. Most patients are pleasantly surprised to be able to perform their activities of daily living within one or two weeks following surgery.

About Plancher Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Plancher Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, formed by Kevin Plancher M.D., is a leader in the field of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, and acute emergency treatment of sports injury and rehabilitation. Dr. Plancher is listed in Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors and he is the official orthopaedic surgeon for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams. Dr. Plancher is the Chairman of the Orthopedic Foundation for Active Lifestyles. Visit our websites at www.ofals.org and www.plancherortho.com.

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