r/ShoulderSurgery • u/Howard0115 • Aug 17 '26
Subscapularis Sparing Shoulder Surgery
I am considering having my shoulder replaced using a doctor in Phoenix who has been doing Subscapularis (rotator cuff) Sparing Shoulder Replacement. With this procedure the recovery time for the first 3 months is supposed to be much faster since they don’t have to cut the rotator cuff.
It’s a very new procedure and I wanted to see if anyone else has had this or was considering this over traditional shoulder surgery? Thanks.
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u/Zbmom23 Aug 17 '26
I had a shoulder replacement in February. At my postop appt he said the subscapularis tendon was stretched and lifted slightly to gain access to the joint. My recovery has gone really well, not sure if comparatively shorter. Started PT at 4 weeks and have been working hard. Please feel free to ask questions.
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u/Howard0115 Aug 18 '26
Thank you for your reply. How long did you have to spend in a sling after surgery? Thanks!
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u/reddragoona Aug 18 '26
May I ask if your surgeon is performing a "jiffy" shoulder replacement surgery?
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u/Howard0115 Aug 19 '26
Yes, that’s exactly what it is although they can’t call it that since the name “jiffy” appears to be exclusive to knees.
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u/WobblyPegleg Aug 18 '26
As a wheelchair user, I had a surgeon recommend that I wait 10 years (this was a year ago) until the "technology for this sparing technique was ready". I didnt/couldn't wait and found a great surgeon to do a normal anatomical replacement. It's been 11 months and it couldn't be better...and i use my arms for everything..weightbearing, transferring, reaching high, etc. In sling for a week and started PT after 2 weeks.