Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

What can be expected with Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Many people don’t realize how much we depend on the shoulder for virtually everything we do – from making a healthy breakfast and driving to work to working out at the gym and participating in sports. It is all possible due to a ball and socket joint that provides a broader range of motion than any other joint in the body. However, this constant use of the shoulder can eventually cause the cartilage that cushions the joints to wear down, resulting in severe shoulder pain due to osteoarthritis, a common cause of many shoulder replacements. In addition, strenuous activities, injuries, fractures, and other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, torn rotator cuff, and avascular necrosis can also damage the joint, necessitating a shoulder replacement to relieve pain, improve strength, and restore function.

What is a Shoulder Replacement?

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a comprehensive surgical procedure that removes the damaged sections of the shoulder joint and implants metal and plastic prosthetics to relieve pain, stiffness, and weakness and improve mobility. A skilled orthopaedic surgeon performs the operation. Joint replacement surgeries are among the most common and successful surgeries in medicine.

Many people suffer from chronic shoulder pain. Find out more about shoulder replacement surgery through 3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center.

Types of Shoulder Joint Replacements

Total Shoulder Replacement: In a total shoulder replacement, the damaged or arthritic ball and socket joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a metal prosthetic ball attached to a stem inserted into a plastic socket implant using durable bone cement giving patients full use of the shoulder joint after recovery.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that reverses the joint and socket positions and replaces the damaged ball with a prosthetic implant. It is typically recommended for patients with rotator cuff damage who are not a candidate for a traditional total shoulder replacement.

Partial Shoulder Replacement: A partial shoulder replacement or stemmed hemiarthroplasty involves replacing the ball (humeral head) with a prosthetic implant, preserving the natural socket joint when its removal and replacement are unnecessary.

Stemless Shoulder Replacement: During a stemless shoulder arthroplasty procedure, the surgeon implants a metal prosthetic ball into the upper arm without a stem preserving the undamaged natural bone structure of the joint.

Shoulder Resurfacing: When the natural socket joint is undamaged, and replacement is not necessary, Dr. Dominguez will implant a cap on the damaged ball, creating a smooth surface in a surgical procedure known as shoulder resurfacing or resurfacing hemiarthroplasty that relieves pain and friction and improves the use of the shoulder joint.

When Are Shoulder Replacements Necessary?

After a careful medical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging, Dr. Dominguez may recommend a shoulder replacement when:

Non-surgical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, exercises, or cortisone shots fail to provide adequate relief.
Persistent pain is interfering with your ability to sleep or perform routine daily activities.
Stiffness limits the use of the shoulder.
There is a grinding, grating, popping (crepitus) sound when moving the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Time

Your recovery and length of hospital stay will depend on several factors, including your age and type of shoulder replacement, but most patients regain use of the shoulder in about six weeks. Immediately following surgery, your shoulder will be in a sling for 4 to 6 weeks, allowing time for it to heal. Dr. Dominguez may also prescribe physical therapy to help you protect your shoulder joint immediately following surgery. The physical therapist will also teach exercises for you to perform that will help improve strength and movement in your shoulder. In addition, you can help improve your recovery by following the advice of your orthopaedic surgeon, keeping your follow-up appointments, doing your shoulder exercises, and eating a healthy diet.

Complications

Although shoulder joint replacement surgeries are highly successful, as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications, such as infection, implant breakage, malalignment, and premature wear that could require additional surgery.

Evaluating Your Need for a Shoulder Joint Replacement

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to be your way of life. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, our highly skilled orthopaedic surgeon has helped patients of all ages obtain relief from pain, inflammation, and stiffness to regain full use of their shoulder joint. When shoulder pain interferes with your ability to work, sleep, or perform regular daily routines, contact us to schedule an appointment to see if shoulder joint replacement is right for you. Depending on your condition, alternative treatment options may also be recommended.

Common Injuries

Knee Injuries
Meniscal tears
Cartilage Repair
Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder Impingement
SLAP Tears
Labral Tears
Rotator Cuff Repair
Elbow Injuries

Ankle Injuries
Ankle Sprains/Fractures
Achilles Tendon Repairs
Hip Injuries/Labral Injuries

Trauma/Fractures
Wrist Fractures
Patella Fractures
Clavicle Fractures
Pediatric Fractures
Total Joint Replacement
Arthritis
PRP

Shoulder

There are a number of causes for shoulder pain. The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints and therefore is prone to injury. Shoulder pain occurs when soft tissues (Muscle, tendon, labrum & Ligaments) are injured or overused. The shoulder is prone to instability and even to dislocations which may require extensive rehabilitation or surgery. As well, years of use along with other medical conditions can cause stiffness, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, or even arthritis. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic shoulder problems. Should you need surgery Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Hip

As weight bearing joints your hips are highly susceptible to arthritis and surgery, including sports injuries and work related injuries. Characterized by joint deterioation and movement limitation, hip injuries and conditions can be especially painful and debilitating. Non-Surgical treatment of hip problems may include physical therapy and injections. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic hip problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Ankle

Ankle injuries like fractures and sprains are common sports related injuries. An Ankle fracture is the break of one or more of the bones in the ankle. If treated appropriately either by casting or with surgery, one can anticipate a full recovery. Ankle Sprains are when the foot rolls, turns or twists, beyond its normal abilities. Ankle sprains typically occur when the foot lands in an odd position and with great force, causing stretched ligaments and sometimes tears. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic ankle problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Trauma/Fracture

A fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. Inappropriate treatment or neglect of fracture care could lead to permanent deformity and disability. Dr. David Dominguez has specific training and experience treating complex fractures. Prior to completing his sports medicine fellowship, he worked as an orthopaedic traumatologist at Holmes Regional Medical Center. We treat both adult and pediatric patients who have sustained injuries sustained during auto accidents, sports related, life threatening falls etc. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine, have specific, expertise diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic injuries. We have state of the art casting, splinting, and bracing available. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the most advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures to maximize your recovery.

If your are experiencing pain relating to these common injuries above,
please contact 3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center to schedule an appointment today.