If countless hours of physical therapy, numerous medications, and even minimally invasive repairs haven’t helped with shoulder issues, you might be a candidate for a shoulder replacement surgery. Find out if a shoulder replacement is right for you by booking a consultation at Texas Orthopaedic Associates as soon as possible. With locations in Dallas, Plano, Weatherford, Keller, and Fort Worth, Texas, you have convenient offices nearby. Book your exam online or over the phone today.
SHOULDER REPLACEMENT Q&A
What happens during a shoulder replacement?
Three bones make up your shoulder joint: humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade). Connected and protected by numerous tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, your ball-and-socket shoulder joint can become worn down and damaged over time. You might even experience an injury.
A shoulder replacement involves removing any damaged tissues and resurfacing bones within the joint. With a total shoulder replacement, your orthopaedic surgeon replaces your joint surfaces with a specialized metal ball. This ball is attached to a stem and placed into a plastic socket inside your scapula, ultimately replacing your entire shoulder joint.
With advancements in shoulder replacement methods that are tailored to specific ailments, you might even be a candidate for more modern types of procedures. For instance, with a reverse shoulder replacement, which is ideal for completely torn rotator cuffs or severe arthritis, the components are switched. The new ball is attached to your scapula, while the socket is placed on the head of your humerus.
As an alternative, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend a stemless procedure, which allows your surgeon to re-create the ball portion of the joint without needing a stem. Your shoulder replacement surgery is entirely tailored to you and your specific condition.
Is a shoulder replacement right for me?
There are many reasons why you may want to consider a shoulder replacement surgery. Most importantly, if your shoulder pain or discomfort is starting to dramatically lower your quality of life, replacing your shoulder joint might be an option. You may be a candidate for a shoulder replacement surgery if you have severe:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rotator cuff issues
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Bone fractures
Your dedicated orthopedist at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, discusses all of your options with you to determine if a shoulder replacement surgery is indeed the right path.
How long is the recovery after a shoulder replacement?
You’re probably going to need to spend several nights in the hospital after a shoulder replacement. Typically your orthopaedic surgeon gets you started on passive exercises with a physical therapist within a few days of your procedure.
When you return home, plan on being in a supportive sling for at least 2-4 weeks. You’re probably also going to also need at least 2-4 weekly physical therapy sessions for about 4-8 weeks, in addition to daily exercises during this time.
Most men and women who have shoulder replacement surgeries at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, can return to the majority of their daily activities within 2-3 weeks and begin driving after about 2-4 weeks. With each passing day though, you should start experiencing an improvement and relief from pain.
Schedule your shoulder replacement consultation at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, today. Click on the online booking feature or call your nearest clinic directly.