August 2009

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Do you have shoulder pain and weakness due to:

• Failed rotator cuff repair and arthritis?
  
  
• Unsuccessful shoulder replacement surgery?
  
  
• A broken shoulder that did not heal properly?
  
  

A revolutionary new procedure called reverse total shoulder replacement can relieve your pain and help you live a normal life.

What is Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?

“Reverse total shoulder replacement (RTS) is an innovative procedure designed to reconstruct a shoulder that no longer has an intact rotator cuff,” says Robert Zanotti, MD, who performed the first RTS surgery in Lorain County in June 2007.

Why is it called ‘Reverse Total Shoulder’?

“The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint,” Dr. Zanotti explains. “The rounded portion of the upper arm is the ball and a shallow, dish-shaped structure attached to the shoulder blade is the socket.

“A reverse total shoulder procedure reverses the ball and socket,” he says. “The ball portion of the replacement joint is attached to the shoulder blade and the cup or socket is attached to the upper arm.”

Before RTS: ‘I couldn't move my upper arm’

Robert Knight, 78, a retired air traffic controller from Elyria, Ohio, fell off a ladder in 2006 and severely tore the rotator cuff in his left shoulder. “He blew out his tendon,” Dr. Zanotti adds.

After arthroscopic surgery and a full open procedure, Robert's rotator cuff could not be restored. He was in constant pain and had no movement in his upper arm. “To put my left hand on the table, I had to lift it up with my other hand,” Robert recalls. “I thought I was going to have to live the rest of my life with my shoulder the way it was.

“Then a friend saw an article about Dr. Zanotti performing reverse total shoulder replacement and I went to see if I could have it done. Dr. Zanotti ran some tests and told me I was a prime candidate, and I said, ‘Well, do it!’”

Robert had RTS and completed three months of physical therapy. “His range of motion returned to function quickly and he began strength training at six weeks,” says physical therapist Sara Faris.

After RTS: ‘I'm pain-free!’

Now Robert is gardening, hunting, fishing and lifting his three great-grandchildren. “I'm pain-free and I can do just about everything!” he says.

Robert Zanotti, MD

Who is an ideal candidate for reverse total shoulder replacement?

RTS is normally for patients age 65 or older. If you have severe shoulder arthritis pain and can't lift your arm at all, you may be a candidate. Patients who need RTS have full motion in their arm, but it's passive—they can't raise their arm. Until now, these patients have been told “That's how you have to live.” Not anymore!

For an appointment, call 440.329.2800.

Come to the health fair!

More than 20 health-related vendors will offer informative presentations and health screenings.

Dr. Stanfield speaks on joint replacement

Hear Dr. William Stanfield present a talk titled “New Techniques in Joint Replacement”—and get your
questions answered.

Don't miss the Skeleton 5K
‘Run for Your Bones’

The Center for Orthopedics invites you to participate in our 10th annual 5K Run for Your Bones.

Proceeds will benefit the Amherst Schools Science Olympia, Amherst Running Club and the EMH Foundation. Cash awards will go to the top male and female runners.