All joint replacement procedures are complex, and so is shoulder replacement. Shoulder replacement involves removing the worn-out or damaged shoulder joint and replacing it with an artificial one to improve pain and restore the range of motion of the shoulder.
Deciding whether to have a shoulder replacement is a collaborative decision between you and your orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic surgeons will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery.
Let’s explore some common reasons you should consider shoulder replacement surgery and where you can go for this surgery in Ft. Lauderdale.
Severe Shoulder Pain
Not all shoulder pains require shoulder replacement surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery is recommended when you have long-standing pain so bad that it prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. You should also consider shoulder replacement surgery if your pain is so severe that you struggle with routine activities such as getting dressed, combing hair, washing, and reaching out to cabinets.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a well-known form of arthritis known as wear and tear arthritis. Osteoarthritis damages the connective tissues that cover the end of the bone and help joints move smoothly. The chronic and progressive damage to the cartilage (connective tissues) caused by osteoarthritis can lead to severe nagging pain, joint swelling, and stiffness.
Orthopedic surgeons typically consider shoulder replacement surgery for osteoarthritis when non-surgical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy provide no relief.
Shoulder Weakness or Loss of Motion
Shoulder weakness is when the muscles around your shoulder joint are unable to generate sufficient strength, resulting in reduced ability to perform tasks involving the shoulder. Various shoulder conditions cause extreme shoulder weakness and warrant replacement surgery.
For example, if you have sustained a rotator cuff injury that resulted in significant damage to the shoulder joint and reduced your ability to perform day-to-day tasks, shoulder replacement might be the right option to restore the strength and mobility of the shoulder joint.
Failed Prior Surgical Treatments
In some instances, shoulder replacement surgery is considered when the initial surgery fails to provide satisfactory results or when the shoulder joint continues to have significant pain, limited motion, and weakness.
For example, suppose you have undergone a rotator cuff repair surgery, fracture repair surgery, or arthroscopic surgery that failed to relieve your shoulder symptoms. In that case, it is wise to consider shoulder replacement surgery which is a permanent solution to your pain and other symptoms.
Who Is Ineligible for The Ordinary Placement Surgery?
Even if you have the orthopedic conditions and symptoms mentioned above, your orthopedic surgeon may still deem you ineligible for shoulder surgery if you have any of the following conditions:
- Any health condition is interfering with healing or increasing your chances of infection.
- Irreparable damage to the rotator cuff
- Severe osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Nonfunctional deltoid muscles
- Nerve damage
- Health conditions like dementia or alcoholism make you vulnerable to dangerous falls (which can increase your risk for shoulder dislocations or bone fractures).
In such instances, your shoulder replacement surgeon will find you a suitable alternative.
Shoulder replacement surgery in Lauderdale Lakes, FL
If you think you are a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery, visit us here at Total Orthopaedic Care. We have a team of highly trained and skilled orthopedic surgeons with years of experience performing joint replacement surgery of all kinds, including shoulder replacement surgery. Our shoulder replacement surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your shoulder issue and determine the suitable treatment option, which may include shoulder replacement surgery.
If you want to know more or to schedule your visit with one of our talented shoulder surgeons, call us today at (954) 735-3535 or complete our online appointment request form now.
