Disadvantages
In most cases, the weakness of the rotational movement remains as it was before the operation. This can possibly be improved in the future by an additional muscle transfer. Furthermore, this implant is a large prosthesis, which must be removed after 10 to 20 years if it becomes loose. In this case, revision surgery is often very costly and the implantation of a new prosthesis is often no longer possible, so that the function of the shoulder joint may be lost.
Aftercare
The post-operative treatment time is strongly dependent on the time of the operation. If it is performed early, the muscles and tendons can be spared when the prosthesis is fitted. In some cases, the shoulder can then be slowly reexercised under physiotherapeutic supervision after just 1 to 2 weeks. If the operation is waited too long, the majority of the tendons and muscles often have to be removed as well. In this case, postoperative immobilization in a Gilchrist bandage for 6 weeks is not unusual.
Summary
The inverse shoulder prosthesis offers the possibility of restoring the function of a shoulder joint wear in combination with a functional incapacity of the rotator cuff. By reversing the natural joint construction, the center of rotation of the shoulder is shifted downward and inward. As a result, only the deltoid muscle is required for movement, the muscles of the rotator cuff become unnecessary.
Especially the pain in the shoulder joint can be relieved by this operation. Likewise, the forward mobility of the arm is often not restricted. In many cases, however, rotational movements are no longer possible.
In addition to the usual complications associated with surgery, the prosthesis may become loose or break off. If the prosthesis has to be removed again after one to two decades, this is often a massive revision intervention and in many cases the complete loss of function of the shoulder joint. If therapy is started early, follow-up treatment can be started after one to two weeks. If the course of the operation is complicated, consistent immobilization for up to 6 weeks is necessary.
