What is Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure where the damaged parts of your shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial parts known as prostheses.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones; the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The ball at the top of the upper arm bone fits neatly into a socket, called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade. The surfaces of the bones where they touch are surrounded with articular cartilage, a smooth substance that protects the bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other. If your cartilage is damaged by wear and tear, injury, or arthritis, it can make your shoulder joint stiff and painful necessitating shoulder replacement.
What are the Indications for Shoulder Replacement?
Some of the indications that prompt shoulder replacement surgery include:
- Torn rotator cuff
- Osteoarthritis
- Serious shoulder injury or fractures
- Persistent pain that interferes with everyday activities
- Moderate to severe pain while resting
- Loss of motion and/or weakness
- Avascular necrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Failed previous replacement surgery
- Posttraumatic arthritis
- Failure to considerably improve with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections
Am I a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Whether or not you are a suitable candidate for shoulder replacement surgery would depend upon the evaluation and assessment of the indications, symptoms, and medical history; your response to conservative treatment; and your answer to the shoulder replacement questionnaire mentioned below:
