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When advanced osteoarthritis of the shoulder (Orthopedic Department of Athens Medical Group) leads to pain and loss of functionality and conservative treatments no longer provide any help, joint replacement surgery becomes the only option. If the arthritis is due to insufficiency or chronic massive rupture of the shoulder tendons, then the solution is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Having recently performed the first arthroplasty in Greece with Univers Reverse with MGS glenoid type implantation, in new, advanced materials, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can put an end to the pain and suffering of patients:

What is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty? When is it indicated?

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a special type of surgical replacement of damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial parts. It is called reverse because, unlike classic total shoulder arthroplasty, the surgeon reverses the joint surfaces in order to enhance the mechanical advantage of the muscles surrounding the shoulder. Ideal candidates for this procedure are patients in whom traditional arthritis is combined with rupture of the shoulder tendons. Also, advanced forms of osteoarthritis with significant deformities and bone defects, inflammatory arthropathies, as well as arthritis that occurs in the joint from a chronic and complicated fracture or dislocation, are best treated with reverse arthroplasty. The method is chosen in cases of complex fractures in patients with a lack of or poor bone quality, as well as for the revision of a previous total arthroplasty, in cases where the artificial joint has loosened or an infection has occurred.

What preparation is done before the operation?

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a type of operation that is performed individually and based on the anatomy and condition of each person. Before the operation, the patient undergoes a CT scan of the shoulder area. The results of this are used to create a three-dimensional model, in which, with the help of special software, the orthopedic surgeon designs all the details of the operation. In this way, it is ensured that the new, artificial joint will “fit” as best as possible into the patient’s shoulder.

How is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty performed?

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is performed under general or regional anesthesia, where the patient can remain awake during the surgery, if he/she wishes. The duration of the operation is approximately 60 minutes, depending on the individual case.

What are the advantages of the method?

The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty method presents excellent viability and functionality and treats all arthritic and degenerative diseases of the shoulder. The advantage it offers is that it can achieve shoulder movement with or without tendon integrity. This is a result of the technique of this specific operation, which shifts the center of rotation downwards and inwards or outwards depending on the case. The doctor uses minimally invasive techniques, which are bloodless, painless and allow immediate mobilization of the patient, with a special exercise program that begins immediately after the operation.

What is the course of patients after the operation?

The results are impressive. The pain of arthritis is eliminated and the range of motion of the shoulder is fully restored. The functionality and strength of the shoulder are restored, to the maximum in each patient. More specifically, after the operation the patient receives a personalized rehabilitation program, so that he can return to his daily activities. Through this program, the patient will be able to recover his full range of motion, strengthen his muscles and later return to his full activity. Already from the second day he will be able to be self-sufficient.

How much do new, modern materials contribute to the success of the operation?

The evolution of artificial joints used in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty procedures is continuous and impressive, both in terms of materials and design. As a result, artificial joints are becoming even more compatible, durable and functional with a very long lifespan. Athens Medical Group is a pioneer in the application of innovative equipment and in this context we recently performed the first implantation in Greece of an artificial prosthesis of the Univers Reverse with MGS glenoid type in a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty procedure. This is a prosthesis tested with long-term sustainability in the best centers in America and at the same time flexible and personalized to the anatomy and needs of each patient.

How can one choose the right Orthopedic for this particular operation?

The doctor should be very experienced, specialized and fully certified in Shoulder Arthroplasty and Reconstructive Surgery. Personally, after 25 years of a highly successful career in Great Britain and having performed almost 10,000 successful operations to date with the most modern surgical techniques, I can now ensure my patients an extremely low complication rate and excellent results.