Shoulder replacement surgery also referred to as shoulder arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder with prostheses to eliminate the source of pain and restore mobility in the shoulder.
If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, read on to learn about when it is time for you to consider having shoulder replacement surgery as well as the different types available.
Signs It’s Time to Consider a Shoulder Replacement
While the vast majority of shoulder replacements are successful, the surgery is often only recommended when all conservative interventions have already been fully explored or if you are experiencing quality-of-life issues because of the following symptoms:
- Persistent shoulder pain, even while resting
- Pain that gets worse with activity or arm movement
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder
- Weakness, instability, or loss of motion in your shoulder
- Reduced ability to do everyday tasks, such as washing your hair, putting on a belt, or carrying groceries
- Problems when raising your arm
- Snapping, clicking, or grinding sound (crepitus)
Types of Shoulder Replacement Procedures
Once your shoulder surgeon has fully evaluated your condition and determined the extent of the damage and whether you are a candidate for a shoulder replacement procedure, they will discuss your options with you.
Below is an outline of the three most common types of shoulder replacement surgery:
- Total shoulder replacement surgery – This involves replacing both the ball and the socket with prosthetic components: the humeral head (head of the upper arm’s long bone) with a metal ball, and the socket with a plastic surface.
Your doctor will likely recommend this option if you have extensive shoulder damage caused by osteoarthritis or severe shoulder fracture.
- Partial shoulder replacement (hemiarthroplasty) – This involves replacing only the humeral head with a prosthetic ball.
Your doctor will likely recommend this option if the humeral head is severely damaged, but the natural socket (glenoid bone) is still healthy and intact.
- A reverse total shoulder replacement – This procedure is exactly what it sounds like. It entails reverse attachment of the prosthetic components: the ball is attached to the socket side of the joint, and the socket is placed on the arm side where it is reinforced by a metal stem in the humerus.
Your doctor will likely recommend reverse total shoulder replacement if your rotator cuff is completely torn; you have rotator cuff arthropathy (a joint degenerative disease caused by an unrepaired rotator cuff tear), or you have had failed prior shoulder surgery.
Shoulder Replacement Doctor in Baltimore, MD
If you’re in search of a reliable shoulder replacement doctor within the Baltimore area in Maryland, visit us here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our shoulder specialists are committed to not only delivering exceptional treatment outcomes but also sharing their knowledge in order to help all of our patients make the best decisions about their care.
Call us today at (410) 296-6232 to arrange a consultation with one of our shoulder surgeons. You can request an appointment using this form.
