Shoulder replacement may be a necessary procedure for many people who struggle with chronic pain, injuries, or damaged components in the shoulder region.
There are different types of procedures including shoulder replacement surgery that can treat these conditions. Your treatment will depend on your individual diagnosis, so find an orthopedic shoulder specialist who’s right for you on Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s website.
Total shoulder replacement surgery
Our orthopedic surgeons in Webster, TX, specialize in total replacement, which involves a lengthy, complete replacement where the damaged components in the shoulder are replaced by prostheses. The prostheses enable you to regain motion and safely rotate the shoulder joint once recovered.
Hemiarthroplasty
Hemiarthroplasty is a type of partial shoulder replacement of the humerus bone or the addition of a prosthetic surface cap onto the humeral head to prevent further damage and injury to the region. It’s a relatively quick procedure and has less downtime than a full replacement.
Why would you need shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacements are typically performed on patients with varying degrees of joint dysfunction due to conditions and injuries such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, avascular necrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. In very rare situations, it may be needed after a major fracture.
Your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement if other noninvasive treatments such as physical therapy and medication do not work and/or if you have the following symptoms:
- Severe shoulder pain that inhibits daily activities such as washing, changing your clothes, and reaching for things.
- There is restricted motion in your shoulder.
- Your shoulder is weaker than usual.
- Other medical interventions and therapies such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and previous surgery have not helped.
What does recovery from shoulder replacement surgery look like?
Postop recovery is fairly straightforward and uncomplicated. You will temporarily be placed in a recovery area while doctors monitor your progress via X-rays and other procedures. They will also place an immobilizer on your shoulder to limit your range of motion and keep you from aggravating the surgical site.
You will be able to resume waist-level activities within a day or so, and over the next few weeks will regain mobility for normal activities; however, you should avoid driving for a few weeks until you have clearance from your doctor.
Schedule an appointment with one of the leading orthopedic Surgeon League City TX in Webster to seek help for shoulder pain and aches. Through a combination of surgical and medical interventions, they will be able to address the cause of your pain and help you lead a healthier life. If you’re looking for a Surgical Hospital near NASA, visit our website to learn more about this and other orthopedic procedures.