Whether you have sustained a severe shoulder injury or you suffer from arthritis in the shoulder, it is in your best interest to have an expert evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon. Symptoms that warrant a shoulder evaluation include shoulder pain that interferes with sleep, pain every time you reach upward or brush your hair, and shoulder pain that persists during sleep despite resting the area.
Shoulder replacement surgery can be a life-changing solution that can not only relieve shoulder pain and improve strength, but also increase normal shoulder mobility.
Let’s talk about what’s involved in shoulder replacement surgery, and where you can go in Kansas City, Kansas, for lasting relief from your shoulder pain.
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
A shoulder replacement operation is a procedure in which damaged areas of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic parts. The parts are made of bio-grade metal, ceramic, or plastic.
Shoulder replacement surgery is done to provide relief from shoulder pain and disability. This surgery is most frequently done to repair osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, osteonecrosis (bone degeneration in the shoulder), fractures, and inflammation.
Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Your orthopedic doctor can perform many types of shoulder replacement surgeries, and yours will depend on the type and extent of the damage. Commonly performed shoulder replacement surgeries are:
- Total Shoulder Replacement. This involves the replacement of both the ball and socket areas of bone that make up the shoulder joint.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement. In this type, only the damaged part of the shoulder – such as the ball – is replaced with an artificial prosthetic.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement. This typically means that the positions of the ball and socket are switched. The metal ball is attached to the shoulder blade, and the socket is attached to the upper arm bone. Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is generally performed if there is severe damage to the rotator cuff.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Procedure
Before the Procedure
Your orthopedic surgeon will probably advise that you wear loose clothing, cut back on drinking and smoking before the procedure, and participate in pre-op physical therapy.
During the Procedure
For shoulder replacement surgery, you will be sedated with general anesthesia and possibly also a nerve blocker. A nerve block will be able to control shoulder pain even when the effect of general anesthesia diminishes after surgery.
After the Procedure
When shoulder replacement surgery is done, you will be taken to the recovery room. Your shoulder will be immobilized, but you will be permitted to use your hands and wrists. Full recovery after shoulder replacement surgery tends to take anywhere from 6 months to one year.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Kansas City, Kansas
If you are looking for a lasting solution for your shoulder pain, come and see us at Midwest Orthopaedics. We have offices located in Johnson County in both Overland Park and Merriam for your convenience.
We have board-certified orthopedic surgeons who will assess your condition, determine the cause of your pain, and offer treatment options that will work to alleviate your shoulder pain.
If you would like to find out more or book a consultation with one of our board-certified orthopedic doctors, call our friendly staff today at (913) 362-8317 or fill out our secure online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you
