A reverse shoulder replacement is a procedure that is performed when a prior shoulder replacement has malfunctioned, especially on individuals who have had severe arthritis and rotator cuff tearing, which has since weakened the shoulder.

A reverse shoulder replacement can be recommended if:

• A prior shoulder replacement surgery was unsuccessful
• The shoulder joint has a complex fracture
• There is chronic dislocation of the shoulder
• Other conservative modes of treatment have been unsuccessful
• There is a tumour of the shoulder joint
• There is severe pain of the shoulder, weakness and limited range of motion
• There is a completely torn rotator cuff that is deemed irreparable