If you have chronic and severe problems with your shoulder, you could be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery is one of three common joint replacement surgeries. This surgery, like knee and hip replacement surgery, is designed to reduce pain and increase joint mobility. Here are some questions and answers about shoulder replacement surgery and whether you may need it.
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery is similar to hip and shoulder surgery. The entire joint is replaced with metal and plastic parts. The head of the humerus, or upper arm bone, is removed and replaced with metal. The socket, where the cartilage was originally located, is also usually replaced at the same time. This allows for smooth movement of the shoulder joint.
Who Needs Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
One of the most common reasons for shoulder replacement surgery is severe arthritis of the joint. With arthritis, both bone and cartilage deteriorate. Eventually, the cartilage wears away and your bones grind together. This causes significant pain and mobility issues. You may also need surgery if you have a shoulder fracture or rotator cuff damage from sports activities or accidents.
Some types of inflammatory joint disease may also qualify for shoulder replacement surgery. This is especially the case if the inflammation can't be controlled or causes damage. However, in these cases, most doctors will try other control methods first.
Who Doesn't Need Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Your doctor may want to wait on surgery if you still have good shoulder movement and low levels of pain. You may also not be a good candidate if you have muscle paralysis around the shoulder. Instead, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.
What Is Expected After Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Most people leave the hospital within a day or two after the surgery. Your doctor and physical therapist will give you a list of things you can and cannot do during recovery. You will likely have your arm in a sling for several weeks. During this time, be careful lifting almost anything until you are out of your sling. You may feel pain relief soon after your surgery, but take things easy at first. Do your recommended exercises and keep in touch with your doctor.
If your shoulder causes pain and restricted movement, consult a doctor about possible joint replacement surgery. Your doctor will do a thorough exam and examine your shoulder's cartilage to see if you are a good candidate for surgery or if another treatment is better for you.
Share23 February 2021
Recently, my husband began experiencing shoulder pain. Suffering pain of any kind was unusual for him. Although, my husband is in his mid-forties, he enjoys amazingly good health. He’s rarely sick. He hardly ever complains about feeling badly. Because his shoulder pain lingered for a few weeks, he visited an orthopedic specialist. This individual informed my husband that he had bone spurs in his shoulder. He gave my husband a cortisone shot. My spouse’s physician also recommended that he begin rehabilitating his shoulder through exercise. On this blog, you will discover the best types of exercises for strengthening a painful and weak shoulder.