At Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, our team of 18 experienced doctors, each specializing in different areas of orthopedics, is here to help you understand when surgery might be the best course of action and what you should consider when making this important decision.
Identifying the Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can arise from various conditions, including arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and fractures. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is a leading cause of shoulder pain, as it occurs when the cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint gradually deteriorates. Rotator cuff injuries, which involve tears or damage to the muscles and tendons responsible for stabilizing the shoulder, are also a common source of discomfort. Additionally, fractures from trauma or accidents can lead to severe pain and functional limitations.
While many people experience relief through non-surgical shoulder pain treatments like physical therapy, medications, or corticosteroid injections, these options aren’t always effective for everyone. When these treatments fail to provide enough pain relief or when the damage to the shoulder is too extensive, surgery may become the best path forward.
When is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Necessary?
Shoulder replacement surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments have not managed the pain and restored function. Here are some scenarios where surgery might be the best option:
- Severe Arthritis: When arthritis causes significant pain and limits mobility, shoulder replacement surgery can offer relief by replacing the problem joint with an artificial one. This surgery can drastically reduce pain and improve range of motion, allowing patients to resume daily activities more easily.
- Irreparable Rotator Cuff Damage: In cases where the rotator cuff is severely damaged or torn beyond repair, shoulder replacement surgery, specifically reverse shoulder replacement, may be recommended. This procedure changes the mechanics of the shoulder, allowing other muscles to take over the function of the damaged rotator cuff.
- Failed Previous Treatments: If you’ve tried physical therapy, medications, or other treatments without success, and your pain is still affecting your quality of life, surgery might be the next step. Surgery can provide a long-term solution when other methods have failed to offer relief.
- Fractures and Trauma: In cases of severe shoulder fractures that cannot be adequately repaired with other methods, surgery may be necessary to restore the function of the shoulder joint.
Find Expert Shoulder Care in Long Island
At Orthopedic Associates Of Long Island, our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons specializes in shoulder pain treatment, including advanced surgical options tailored to your needs.
Don’t let shoulder pain control your life any longer. Call 631-689-6698 to schedule a consultation with us today at one of our eight convenient locations to discuss your symptoms and explore your best treatment options. With our expertise and personalized approach, we’ll help you get back to the activities you love.
