Shoulder injuries can be debilitating and disruptive, especially since you rely on your shoulders for so many things. Shoulder injuries may prevent you from working, playing sports, enjoying time with your loved ones or even resting. That is why it is important to seek immediate medical treatment so your injury does not get worse. Not all shoulder treatments are the same and they are used for different purposes. Two common shoulder procedures are shoulder replacement and rotator cuff repair.
Let’s take a close look at these two procedures and learn how they differ.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery, or shoulder arthroplasty, replaces the damaged part of a joint with an implant. Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint, which supports a wide range of movements. The round part of the humerus, or the upper arm bone, fits into the hollow socket connected to the shoulder blade. The bones in the joint are connected by fibrous bands of connective tissue called ligaments.
The entire shoulder joint is further supported by a group of muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff. It stabilizes the joint by keeping the head of the upper arm bone secure in its place in the socket. The bones in the joint are also cushioned from pressure by rubbery tissue called cartilage.
The procedure involves using artificial implants made of tough materials like metal, ceramic or hard plastic. Here are the four types of shoulder replacement surgery:
- Anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty – the ball and socket of the joint are both replaced with implants that follow the natural shoulder anatomy.
- Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty – the ball and socket of the joint are both replaced with implants, but in reverse, with the ball attached to the shoulder blade and the socket stuck to the upper arm.
- Partial shoulder arthroplasty – replaces only the ball if it’s the only damaged part of the joint.
- Resurfacing partial shoulder arthroplasty – replaces only the ball’s surface using a prosthesis.
Your provider may recommend shoulder replacement surgery if conservative treatment options for pain relief have been unsuccessful. Your provider may also suggest the procedure if you experience persistent and crippling pain or hindered joint function. The surgery can help relieve pain symptoms and support a full recovery. Many patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty observe significant improvement, especially after completing post-procedure physical therapy.
Here are a few conditions that may require shoulder replacement surgery:
- Osteoarthritis – when joint cartilage cushioning bones becomes damaged or deteriorates.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder where your body’s defense system attacks healthy tissues, often in the joints.
- Osteonecrosis – the death or collapse of bone tissue due to insufficient blood supply to the area.
- Joint fracture – the breaking of a bone in the shoulder joint caused by trauma from an accident.
- Rotator cuff injuries – injury to the surrounding group of muscles and tendons that, in turn, causes significant damage to the joint’s cartilage and bones.
Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Rotator cuff repair surgery aims to treat the surrounding muscles and tendons instead of the shoulder joint itself. These muscles allow you to raise your arm and perform shoulder rotation movements. When the rotator cuff is injured, you may experience pain, muscle weakness and difficulty raising your arm. Surgeons can perform rotator cuff repair surgery in three ways:
- Shoulder arthroscopy – a minimally-invasive procedure that only requires cuts less than an inch long and uses a thin, long instrument that lets your surgeon see inside the joint.
- Traditional open surgery – needs larger cuts and is used when your surgeon has to perform more complicated repair.
- Mini-open surgery – falls in between shoulder arthroscopy and traditional open surgery.
The procedure involves reattaching tendons to bone. Your surgeon may use small rivets or stitches to help with the reattachment. Your provider may recommend the procedure if you experience the following:
- Symptoms that persist for more than six months
- Shoulder pain that prevents you from resting or sleeping
- Weakness and difficulty moving that doesn’t allow you to perform your daily activities
- Large tear on your rotator cuff
- You need to fully regain your strength and mobility for sports or work
Rotator cuff repair also promotes improved symptoms, shoulder mobility and full recovery. By doing physical therapy, you can regain your strength and work on your flexibility and range of motion sooner following the procedure.
Shoulder Replacement Doctor in Maryland
You rely on your shoulder for many things, which is why shoulder injuries can be disruptive to your daily life. You may experience pain, swelling or difficulty making normal shoulder and arm movements.
You should consult with your provider to find out which treatment is best for you. A rotator cuff repair targets the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Shoulder arthroplasty involves using artificial implants to fix damage sustained by your joint due to a variety of causes.
If you are looking for a shoulder replacement doctor in Maryland, look no further than Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. We have a team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons who can give you the comprehensive care you deserve, from diagnosis to recovery. If you want to know more about our services, you may call our friendly staff at (410) 296-6232. If you want to book a consultation, you may use our secure online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you at our convenient locations in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, Westminster, and Baltimore, MD!
