If you’re considering shoulder replacement surgery, it’s so important to know your options and discuss them with qualified healthcare professionals like those at Orthopedic Associates of Long Island. First, you need some knowledge to guide your decision-making.
Signs You Need A Shoulder Replacement
People considering shoulder replacement often experience severe pain that interferes with daily life and basic activities, loss of motion and weakness in the shoulder, and moderate to severe pain that often prevents sleep. If your shoulder hasn’t responded to other treatments (such as corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and other conservative measures), then shoulder replacement might be the solution.
Types of Shoulder Replacement
There are several types of shoulder replacement surgeries, each dependent on the patient’s situation:
- Conventional Total Shoulder Replacement: This is a good option for patients with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis and intact rotator cuff tendons. It involves replacing arthritic joint surfaces with a polished metal ball attached to a stem, as well as a plastic socket.
- Stemmed Hemiarthroplasty: For patients with a normal socket and a severely fractured humerus head, only the ball is replaced. This involves a metal ball and stem.
- Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty: Similar to Stemmed Hemiarthroplasty but more bone-preserving, this procedure involves a cap-like prosthesis without the stem pushed into the humerus. It is ideal for younger or very active patients.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: Here, the ball and socket components are switched. This procedure is suitable for patients with completely torn rotator cuffs with severe arm weakness, severe arthritis, rotator cuff tearing, or those who had a previous shoulder replacement that didn’t work out.
Success Rate and Recovery
Total shoulder replacement is usually a successful procedure. In fact, over 90 percent of patients who have undergone this surgery report excellent results even 10 years post-operation. That means the vast majority of patients for this procedure return to normal activities and low-impact sports — without pain.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, take the first step towards regaining your mobility and quality of life by scheduling a consultation with the experts at Orthopedic Associates of Long Island.
For more information, contact the Long Island, NY, practice at 631.689.6698 to schedule an appointment. Orthopedic Associates of Long Island has eight locations throughout the area, including East Setauket, Commack, Patchogue, Riverhead, and more.
