Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery for Patients in El Paso
Although there are other medical options available, total shoulder replacement can be seen as the ultimate option when it comes to joint pain. Degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis can quickly affect the joint, wearing away the protective cartilage and eventually leading to severe shoulder joint pain. There are other issues, such as post-traumatic arthritis, where the shoulder joint is quickly and severely damaged to the point where replacement is necessary. No matter what you’re facing, Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists can help. As far as joint replacement surgeries go, total shoulder replacement is the least common. Regardless, results tend to range from good to excellent. After healing, patients are generally able to partake in sports such as swimming, tennis, and gold. Let our team help restore your shoulder’s function.
Understanding the Anatomy of Your Shoulder
The upper arm bone, shoulder blade, and collarbone make up the shoulder. The shoulder, much like the hip, is a ball-and-socket joint. The head of upper arm bone (also known as the humerus) is what constitutes as the “ball” of the joint. The socket is found in the shoulder blade. The surface of each bone is protected by cartilage to allow ease of mobility and motion. This cartilage can wear down due to arthritis or traumatic injury. Without the cartilage, the ball and socket of the shoulder joint will come into contact with each other. As the bones rub against one another, your shoulder joint will eventually feel painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease that tends to affect individuals who are 50 years or older. It is the most common reason for total shoulder replacement surgery.
When to Consider Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Total shoulder replacement surgery may be your best option if you constantly suffer from severe shoulder pain that gets in the way of regular, everyday activities. In some cases, you may even feel pain while resting or sleeping. If medication or physical therapy doesn’t lead to the results you’re hoping for, then it may be time to consider total shoulder replacement surgery.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Before the procedure takes place, you will have to undergo a medical evaluation from your physician. This way, the surgeon will be completely certain that you’re ready and healthy enough to undergo surgery. Since your arm will be out of commission for a few weeks after the surgery, you should make a few changes in your home so you can avoid any complications when partaking in regular tasks such as reaching high shelves. Make sure all the most important objects in your home are within arm’s reach.
For the first few weeks, you will require assistance when day-to-day tasks like getting dressed, bathing, cooking, and doing laundry. Make sure to have someone there to assist you while you recover from surgery. This may be a loved one or a home health professional. On the day of the surgery, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing.
What To Expect During the Surgery
Total shoulder replacement surgery will replace the ball and socket of your shoulder joint with prosthesis. The arthritic sections of the joint will be removed and replaced with an implant socket, ball, and stem components. Anesthesia will be administered during the surgery so you won’t feel any pain while the surgery takes place. In most cases, the surgery will last around two hours. Once the arthritic components are removed, your surgeon will either cement or press fit the new prosthesis into the bone. These components are designed to perfectly replicate the motion and use of natural joints. Once the surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to your hospital room where you’ll be monitored as you recover from the anesthesia.
Be Aware of The Post-Op Precautions
After surgery, it’s crucial to take recovery as seriously as possible. This way, you’ll avoid future complications and you’ll return to your regular to living your life as you used to before sooner rather than later. Rehabilitation plays a major role in the healing process. Gentle physical therapy and home exercise programs will allow you to regain strength in your shoulder. Within two weeks, you should be able to perform tasks such as eating, dressing, and grooming.
What Happens After the Surgery is Complete?
By working closely will your surgeon, you’ll be able to know what you should and shouldn’t do in order to recover fully. Pain is a natural aspect of healing and you’ll experience pain and discomfort after the surgery. In order to ease the pain, your surgeon will prescribe pain management medication. Since total shoulder replacement is open surgery, you will require adequate wound care in order to heal properly. Your surgeon will outline proper wound care methods. Remember to avoid soaking the wound until it has healed and dried thoroughly. After a few weeks, the staples that were placed along the opening will be removed.
The Many Benefits of Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Once you’ve healed completely from total shoulder replacement, you will no longer suffer from arthritis pain. Although the pain may disappear, it’s important to have your surgeon routinely check up on your progress. Full movement will be regained around six weeks after the surgery. At this point, you’ll be allowed to drive once more. Your surgeon will also allow you to return to work at this time. Before long, you’ll become used to the implant and it will feel as natural as it’s meant to. If you’re ready to stop suffering from chronic shoulder pain, reach out to Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists today.