Whatever your shoulder surgeon’s diagnosis may be or whatever treatment they suggest, it is important for you to ask questions that will help you better understand your injury and treatment options. Asking questions will also ensure that you are in the right hands. If the doctor cannot explain things so that you understand the situation, it may be prudent to look for another shoulder doctor.
Let’s talk about some of the key questions you should ask your surgeon when it comes to your shoulder condition and treatment; as well as, where you can go in Baltimore and across Maryland for outstanding orthopedic care for your upper extremities.
What Are the Possible Treatment Options for My Shoulder Condition?
When your shoulder doctor diagnoses your condition, they will explain how they would treat this condition. However, if your shoulder doctor jumps directly to a single treatment option like injections, medication or surgery, ask the orthopedist about other possible treatment options that may be best for you. You want to be comfortable and confident about your treatment.
Is There Any Way to Avoid Surgery?
Most shoulder doctors attempt to try all the appropriate conservative (nonsurgical) approaches before considering surgery because many shoulder conditions do not require surgery. For example, a rotator cuff tear may not always need surgery so pain-relief treatment may work best while your shoulder heals.
Possible alternatives to shoulder surgery can be activity modification, medications (including anti-inflammatories and pain relievers), steroid injections directly into the shoulder joint for immediate and long-lasting pain relief, physical therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy.
If your shoulder surgeon thinks that one or more of these alternatives may be able to provide you relief, you can avoid surgery.
What Are the Risks of Postponing Surgery or Not Performing Surgery?
You should ask your shoulder surgeon about the risks involved in postponing or not performing surgery at all. Your shoulder surgeon will answer this question based on your shoulder injury or condition.
For example, if you have a partially torn rotator cuff (but not a full tear) postponing the surgery and attempting conservative treatments is a possible solution because the risk of tear progression is low, as long as you rest your shoulder so it may heal. However, a complete rotator cuff tear may warrant surgery in order to prevent permanent disability of the shoulder.
What Are the Possible Complications of Shoulder Surgery?
While shoulder surgery usually results in long-term or permanent relief and regain of function, there is a small chance of complications (as there is with any surgery). The possible shoulder surgery complications may include blood loss, injury to nerves, infection, aesthesia risks, stiffness, fracture and wound problems. Talk to your shoulder surgeon about how they usually handle these issues.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
For whichever treatment you choose, your recovery time will depend on various factors, including your physical condition, type of treatment and how well you take care of yourself while you recuperate. Recovery may require physical therapy and it is important to ask how many sessions of physical therapy you will need to undergo.
Shoulder Surgeon in Lutherville, Maryland
Our board-certified shoulder surgeons at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder offer unmatched quality of care and consistent treatment outcomes for various conditions and injuries of the upper extremities, including the shoulder.
To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled shoulder surgeons, call our clinic today at (410) 296-6232 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We have convenient offices in Baltimore, Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, and Westminster, and we look forward to helping you enjoy a pain-free shoulder once again!
