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Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder pain can significantly hinder your daily life, impacting everything from sports and physical activities to routine tasks. When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, shoulder replacement might be the solution to restore your quality of life.

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon and Middlefield, OH, our experienced team specializes in shoulder replacement surgeries, helping patients reclaim their mobility and reduce pain. Contact us to learn how we can assist you with your shoulder needs.

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What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This procedure is designed to relieve pain and restore function to the shoulder. The shoulder joint, a ball-and-socket joint, comprises the humeral head (the ball at the end of the upper arm bone) and the glenoid (shoulder blade socket).

A patient being examined by a doctor before shoulder replacement surgery in Chardon, Ohio.

How Do You Know If You Need One?

Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This procedure is designed to relieve pain and restore function to the shoulder. The shoulder joint, a ball-and-socket joint, comprises the humeral head (the ball at the end of the upper arm bone) and the glenoid (shoulder blade socket).

Who is a Candidate for the Surgery?

Ideal candidates for shoulder replacement are individuals who experience severe shoulder pain due to conditions like osteoarthritis or severe fractures. It is also considered for patients with conditions like rotator cuff tear arthropathy, where the rotator cuff tendons are significantly damaged.

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Conditions That Shoulder Replacement Surgery Treats

Shoulder replacement surgery can effectively treat a variety of conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
  • Severe shoulder fractures
  • Avascular necrosis (bone death due to poor blood supply)
  • Failed previous shoulder replacement surgery

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

There are several types of shoulder replacement surgeries, each designed to address specific conditions and patient needs:

  • Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Involves replacing both the humeral head and the glenoid with prosthetic components. It's suitable for patients with intact rotator cuff tendons.
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery: In this procedure, the positions of the ball and socket are reversed. Reverse shoulder replacement is particularly beneficial for patients with severe rotator cuff damage or rotator cuff tear arthropathy, as it relies on the deltoid muscle instead of the rotator cuff for shoulder movement.
  • Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): Only the head of the humerus is replaced. This option is often used for patients with severe fractures of the humeral head but an otherwise healthy shoulder socket.
  • Shoulder Resurfacing: Involves capping the humeral head with a smooth metal covering without replacing the socket. It's a less invasive option suitable for younger patients with early-stage arthritis.

How Should I Prepare?

Preparing for shoulder replacement surgery involves several steps:

  1. Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon will thoroughly assess your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if you’re fit for surgery.
  2. Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRIs will be taken to get a detailed view of the shoulder joint.
  3. Preoperative Instructions: Your orthopedic surgeon will provide specific instructions, which might include stopping certain medications and fasting before the surgery.
  4. Home Preparation: Arrange your home to make recovery easier, such as setting up a comfortable recovery area and keeping things you need on low shelves. You will also need help available with basic tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and laundry for the first few weeks.

What Happens During the Procedure?

In the operating room, the procedure typically involves the following steps:

  1. You will be given general anesthesia or a nerve block to ensure you don’t feel pain during the surgery.
  2. A surgical incision is made to access the shoulder joint.
  3. The damaged portions of the humeral head and the glenoid bone are removed.
  4. The surgeon fits a highly polished metal ball and a plastic socket into place.
  5. The incision is closed, and the shoulder is bandaged.
 

The surgical procedure takes about 2 hours to complete. You may be able to go home the same day, however some patients require a night in the hospital for observation.

Recovery from Shoulder Replacement Surgery

During recovery, you will be given medications and physical therapy to help you make a good recovery.

Medications

Following surgery, you will be given antibiotics to prevent infection.

Postoperative pain is managed with medications. Managing your pain is essential to your recovery as it allows you to move sooner and restore your strength.

Physical Therapy

Early movement is encouraged under the guidance of a physical therapist to restore range of motion and strength. You should be able to perform basic tasks within 2 weeks of surgery. These may include dressing, grooming, and eating. However, you shouldn’t drive for 2-6 weeks following surgery.

What Are the Risks?

Like any surgical procedure, shoulder surgery carries certain risks, including:

  • Infection: At the incision site or deeper within the joint.
  • Nerve Damage: Potential injury to the nerves around the shoulder.
  • Implant Problems: Issues like implant loosening or wear over time.
  • Fractures: Bones around the implant might break during or after surgery.
  • Dislocation: The ball can come out of the socket, especially in reverse shoulder replacements.

Discussing these risks with your orthopedic surgeon can help you understand and manage them effectively.

Schedule an Appointment Today

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Northeastern OH, we are dedicated to providing expert care for all your shoulder needs. Whether you’re an athlete dealing with rotator cuff tears or someone experiencing severe arthritis, our team is here to help you regain your quality of life with the best possible outcomes. Book your appointment with one of our shoulder specialists today!

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Precision Orthopaedic Specialties is a leading provider of orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, podiatry, physical therapy, athletic training, and state-of-the-art medical imaging including MRI.

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