Shoulder replacement surgery might sound like a daunting prospect, but for many people suffering from severe shoulder pain or arthritis, it can be a game-changer. This procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial components that function like natural shoulder parts.
The goal is to relieve pain, improve function, and help you return to your everyday activities with more ease. But how do you know if it’s the right choice for you, and once decided, how do you find the best surgeon for the job?
Let’s discuss these important questions.
Understanding Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint consisting of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). In total shoulder replacement, the damaged ends of these bones are replaced with artificial components made of plastic, ceramics, or metal.
Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Right for You?
Deciding to undergo shoulder replacement surgery is significant and should be considered carefully. Here are some factors that might make you a good candidate for shoulder replacement surgery:
Severe Shoulder Pain Interfering with Daily Activities
When shoulder pain becomes so intense that it disrupts basic activities like washing, getting dressed, or reaching into a cabinet, it indicates a severe impairment that goes beyond temporary discomfort.
This level of pain suggests that the shoulder joint is likely damaged to the point where non-surgical interventions cannot effectively reduce pain or improve function.
Loss of Motion in the Shoulder
Loss of motion indicates that the joint’s normal function is compromised, likely due to conditions like arthritis, tendon damage, or extensive wear and tear. When physical therapy and exercises fail to restore mobility, it signals the need for a more definitive solution.
Weakness in the Shoulder
Shoulder weakness, which makes it challenging to perform tasks requiring arm strength, like lifting objects or even supporting one’s own arm, can be debilitating. This weakness often results from a combination of pain, muscle atrophy, or nerve damage within or around the shoulder joint.
Persistent weakness despite strength training or rehabilitative exercises can indicate irreversible damage to the shoulder.
Pain Preventing Good Sleep
Chronic shoulder pain that affects sleep has a profound impact on overall health and well-being. Night pain, particularly, is a common symptom for candidates for shoulder replacement surgery.
It indicates that the shoulder joint is significantly degraded or inflamed, creating intense pain that interferes with restorative sleep stages.
No Relief from Non-Surgical Treatments
Having undergone a range of non-surgical treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and structured physical therapy without significant relief is a critical indicator. It suggests that the underlying condition of your shoulder is beyond the repair of conservative measures.
Despite these interventions, the persistent symptoms point towards the need for surgical assessment.
Previous Surgeries Failed to Relieve Symptoms
If you’ve had prior surgeries such as arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff repairs, or fracture repairs that have not successfully alleviated your symptoms, it further underscores the severity of your shoulder’s condition.
Failed surgical interventions often mean that the structural problems within the shoulder are complex, requiring a total shoulder replacement to restore function and reduce pain.
Finding the Best Shoulder Replacement Surgeon Near You
Once you’ve decided to proceed with surgery, the next step is finding the best shoulder replacement surgeon. Here’s how to find one:
Ask for Referrals
Start by asking your primary care physician, friends, or family members for recommendations and referrals. If someone you trust had a positive experience with a certain shoulder replacement surgeon, it’s worth considering.
Check Credentials and Experience
Look for a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in shoulder replacement surgeries. The more procedures the surgeon has performed, the better prepared they’ll be for various scenarios.
Consider Hospital Affiliations
The quality of the hospital where the surgery will be performed is just as important as the surgeon’s expertise. Research hospitals with high ratings in orthopedic care.
Evaluate Communication Style
Choose a shoulder replacement surgeon who listens to your concerns, answers your questions clearly, and makes you feel comfortable. Good communication is key to a successful doctor-patient relationship.
Read Patient Reviews
Look for feedback from previous shoulder replacement surgery patients. Reviews can provide insight into how the surgeon practices medicine, as well as how their medical practice is operated.
Ask Questions
Before making your decision, here are some essential questions to ask potential shoulder replacement surgeons:
- How many shoulder replacement surgeries have you performed?
- What are the possible risks and complications of shoulder replacement surgery?
- What can I expect during the recovery process after shoulder replacement surgery?
- How long will the prosthetic shoulder joint last?
Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery in Maryland
At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division, we offer comprehensive care for a variety of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, shoulder instability, and more. Our dedicated team of orthopedic specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the highest quality treatment to alleviate discomfort and enhance your quality of life.
To learn more about shoulder replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (301) 515-0900 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
