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Anyone else had this done? I damaged my right shoulder so badly 3 years ago that the surgeon had to use bovine tissue to try to put the rotator cuff back together; it didn't heal right. So last week he did a total Reverse shoulder replacement. He says this will be a quicker recovery than one that has to give time for said rotator cuff to heal - basically, the ball is screwed into my shoulder and the socket is driven down into my arm bone. He says I will have full range of motion (mostly) but not the strength I used to have. For a while, I will have to ask someone to set my tuba in my lap. I asked if I will be able to shoot a rifle - yes, no problem; can I pick up a 50 lb. feed sack - yes, but not over your head (I feed cattle, not giraffes). I have a lightweight 3/4 BBb that I can get by with for a while but wonder how long before I can be independent with my 4/4 again.

No, I haven’t had this done, but I’m considering something like it because the arthritis in my left shoulder has gotten so bad. But not being a medical expert, I still don’t see why you should have any problems. You’ve been told you could still lift 50 pounds, and a tuba usually weighs in at 20-something. You only have to lift in onto your lap, and then your lap holds the majority of the weight. Plus, your right hand doesn’t hold much weight at all because it has to be free for fingering. The weight is balanced with the left hand/arm. So, in my non-expert opinion, I think you will be just fine.

Wishing @Jperry1466 a speedy recovery. You too @DonO. if you go that route.

I haven't had this surgery either, however, I have a friend in NC that just had it done on Tuesday of last week. While she has had severe pain initially, she has already said that she's turned the corner pain-wise, and is feeling much better. She's out walking her dog and taking walks around a local park.

I've had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders, and both of the tears were severe. The pain was excruciating and the full recovery time was about a year for each. (The docs tell you it's a six month recovery time. That's BS!!) PT was extremely important and helpful, but the pain index was off the charts!! I'm very interested in following her recovery.... and yours, having experienced the traditional surgery.

This appears to be the newest technique and it seems to offer more benefits than the traditional surgery..... at least in regards to specific types of shoulder arthritis injury/damage.

Knowing what I went through, I wish you the very best, and a very speedy recovery. Ice packs and pain pills will be your new best friends for awhile!!

Take care, and don't be in a hurry to get active again. Everyone's body is different. It's gonna take a certain amount of time to heal, and that can't be rushed. You can do it efficiently, but don't overdo it.

Dropping back into this thread a bit late — I stumbled across your post and everything you described felt really familiar. I also had a massive rotator cuff tear along with arthropathy. I ended up going to this clinic in Texas where Dr. Kevin Kruse works — honestly, they were the only ones who clearly explained how reverse shoulder replacement works and why it’s sometimes the only real option after so many failed attempts. If anyone else is still checking this thread and wondering what comes next after a surgery like this, it’s definitely worth a look.

Macanake2 wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 4:18 pm Dropping back into this thread a bit late - I stumbled across your post and everything you described felt really familiar. I also had a massive rotator cuff tear along with arthropathy. I ended up going to this clinic in Texas where Dr. Kevin Kruse works — honestly, they were the only ones who clearly explained how reverse shoulder replacement works and why it’s sometimes the only real option after so many failed attempts.

Having had rotator cuff repair on both shoulders, I can safely say there are pluses and minuses to the reverse. It was really my only option with as much arthritis as I had. The reverse replacement recovery was much faster and easier. The minus is, I can no longer lift heavy weights, nor reach behind me with either arm. I asked my surgeon if I could still shoot a rifle or handgun, to which he said yes, no problem. Can I lift a 50 lb. sack of feed? Yes, just not over your head. I assured him I was not feeding giraffes. I am 3 years out from the right shoulder, which works great, and 9 months out from the left. I have found it takes about a year to feel fully "me" again.

I had a full reverse replacement in late April. Any pain I have had is muscular, not in the replacement.
(I tried to post a pic but couldn't.) After two months, I have regained a lot of range of motion and have been cleared to pick up my horn and my rather large-for-his-age grandson. I am doing a lot of exercises because the surgeon had to cut a bicep tendon. I go to the gym every other day, which I did before the surgery, but have cut down on the amount of weight I use for many exercises I do.
I am hoping to resume bar fights in a few months.

When you resume the bar fights, please be sure to get them on camera so we can watch later.

So... Do they use a genuine Miniball or Dubro?


sorry, couldn't resist