Raphael S. F. Longobardi, MD
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports Medicine Specialist
University Orthopaedic Center, PA
433 Hackensack Avenue, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601

An innovative treatment option designed for patients with severe shoulder arthritis and damaged rotator cuffs. Currently, Dr. Longobardi is the only orthopaedic surgeon in New Jersey trained to perform this procedure.

If you...
were recently diagnosed with articular cartilage lesions
have had a poor response to prior arthroscopic procedures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis?
The Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis manufactured by Encore Medical is a metallic titanium alloy and polyethylene prosthesis for the shoulder. It is specifically designed for patients with a damaged rotator cuff (tendons that attach the shoulder muscles to the arm) and severe shoulder arthritis.

2. Why is this product important news?
The Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis provides an innovative surgical alternative to conventional surgical methods. The Reverse® Shoulder addresses both severe shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency.

3. What makes it unique?
The Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis addresses both severe shoulder arthritis and irreparable rotator cuff damage. The Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis is an exclusive design that reverses the shoulder anatomy in order to effectively resist the pull of the shoulder deltoid muscle. For patients, this could
result in greater range of motion and relief from pain.

4. What are the benefits to the patient?
With the Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis, the patient could have greater range of motion compared to conventional shoulder implants.

5. What is involved in the surgical procedure?
The surgical procedure is conducted under general or local anesthesia; and generally takes about 1
to 1 ½ hours to complete.

6. What is involved in the recovery process?
Patients will work with a physical therapist to resume daily activities and strengthen shoulder
muscles.

7. How long before the patient can resume activities?
Most patients are able to return to activities within a few months.

View a Reverse Shoulder Brochure
UOC Press Release on Reverse Shoulder Procedure

Go to: www.encorereverse.com to learn more about this procedure.

At the University Orthopaedic Center, we love to hear from patients we have helped get back into the "game of life." The following is a testimonial from a very happy patient who had the Reverse Shoulder Procedure done.

From Mrs. Milly Salerno
Daughter of Elupina German, Reverse Shoulder recipient, June 2005

My mother’s shoulder injury was most likely caused by the type of work she had done when she was younger, working in a dress factory lifting and handling heavy machinery. Over the years, her bursitis had gotten worse and numerous cortisone shots to ease the pain eventually damaged tendons in both her shoulders and the loss of range of motion. Just combing her hair or reaching for something in the cabinet became a difficult task. When she eventually got to the point that she couldn’t get comfortable enough to sleep, we knew the time had come to find a solution to this very uncomfortable problem.

After doing some initial research about shoulder injuries, we found that Dr. Longobardi was doing a new innovative shoulder replacement procedure that would allow even more mobility after surgery. Upon examining my mother, Dr. Longobardi was amazed that she had the ability to do anything considering the extent of her damaged and dislocated shoulders. Dr. Longobardi took the time to explain the procedure to us as we waited for the right prosthesis to come in before going ahead with the surgery to ensure it would be a good fit. His vast experience as a team physician for numerous professional sports teams and strong background in sports medicine, lead us to have the confidence we needed to finally go through with surgery. A friend of my mom even commented she would probably be able to "pitch for the Mets!" after this surgery!

After doing surgery on the worst of the shoulders in June 2005, followed by therapy for six months, 3 times a week and wonderful follow through on all of the post-surgery modalities on her own, she is now carrying things and feeling "unbelievable!" She can’t thank Dr. Longobardi enough for his genuine care and understanding of her condition, the visiting nurse, rehabilitation specialists and office staff for providing all that was needed for a wonderful recovery.

She is looking to regain that same "unbelievable" feeling by having the same procedure done on her other shoulder soon.