Image Courtesy: www.arthrex.comWhat is the Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder?
The Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder is a reverse shoulder replacement device that consists of a metal spherical component or glenosphere and a polyethylene humeral cup. It is designed to restore function to shoulders with advanced cartilage disease in the presence of irreparable rotator cuff defects.
How does the Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder work?
The Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder works by reversing the normal anatomy of the shoulder joint. Instead of having a ball-and-socket joint, where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the glenoid (socket of the shoulder blade), the device creates a socket-and-ball joint, where the glenosphere attaches to the glenoid and the humeral cup is attached to the humerus. This changes the center of rotation and lever arm of the shoulder, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate for the loss of rotator cuff function and provide stability and mobility to the shoulder.
What are the Benefits of the Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder?
The Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder has several benefits over conventional shoulder replacements, such as:
- Improved pain relief and function due to the restoration of deltoid function and joint stability.
- Reduced risk of implant dislocation or impingement due to the increased joint congruency and offset.
- Enhanced implant fixation and durability due to the porous titanium coating and screw-in design of the glenosphere.
- Increased range of motion and versatility due to the multiple inclination angles, cup sizes, metaphyseal offset, glenosphere geometries, and options for attaching rotator cuff and tuberosity fragments to the prosthesis.
How do you Prepare for Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder Surgery?
Specific instructions will be provided by your doctor. Here are some general guidelines:
- You will need to undergo a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scan to evaluate your shoulder condition and plan the surgery.
- You will need to inform your surgeon about any medications, supplements, or allergies that you have, and follow their instructions on how to stop or adjust them before the surgery.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery.
- You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and help you with your daily activities for a few weeks.
Arthrex Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder Procedure
You will be placed in the beach chair position and given general or regional anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision on the front of your shoulder and expose the shoulder joint. The surgeon removes the worn-out part of the upper arm bone (called the humeral head) and replaces it with a metal part that fits into the bone. The metal part has a cup-shaped attachment that holds a plastic part that acts like a cushion for the joint. The surgeon removes the damaged part of the shoulder blade (called the glenoid) and replaces it with a metal part that fits into the bone. The metal part has a ball shaped attachment that fits into the plastic part on the upper arm bone. The fit and alignment of the components and the range of motion of the shoulder will be tested. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples and a dressing will be applied. Your arm will then be placed in a sling.
Postsurgical Care
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for any complications. You will be given pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your incision, use your sling, perform gentle exercises, and when to resume your normal activities. You will need to follow these instructions carefully and attend regular follow-up visits with your surgeon. You will also need to participate in a physical therapy program that will help you regain your shoulder strength, function, and mobility.
What are the Risks associated with the Univers Revers™ Total Shoulder Procedure?
There is a minimal risk of bleeding, infection, delayed healing, or failure of the implant after the surgery.
