What is a reverse shoulder replacement?

The University of Maryland Medical Center describes a reverse should replacement as a surgical procedure that reverses the location of the ball and socket in the shoulder joint. The operation uses surgical implants, pins and screws to create the ball shoulder blade and the socket on the arm bone.

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the surgery is performed when a patient has lost a significant amount of movement in the shoulder due to arthritis. The goal of the surgery is to restore movement and alleviate the pain associated with the condition. Recovery involves outpatient physical therapy. The average recovery time is three to four months.