What is a shoulder replacement?
A shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing damaged or diseased parts of your shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial components. There are various approaches to shoulder replacement, including:
Total shoulder replacement
Also known as traditional shoulder arthroplasty, this surgery replaces both the ball-shaped head of your upper arm bone and the socket in your shoulder blade with a similarly shaped prosthesis.
Reverse total shoulder replacement
Arthroscopic reverse total shoulder replacement switches the position of the ball and socket in the joint. Your surgeon replaces the head of your upper arm bone with a prosthetic socket. Then, they replace the socket on your shoulder blade with a prosthetic ball.
Partial shoulder replacement
If only the head of your arm bone is damaged, you may be a good candidate for partial shoulder replacement. This procedure replaces the head of your arm bone and leaves your natural socket in place.
Shoulder resurfacing
Shoulder resurfacing involves placing a smooth cap over the natural head of your arm bone. This facilitates smooth movement without completely removing the section of bone.
Why would I need a shoulder replacement?
Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists uses shoulder replacement surgery to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Arthritis of the shoulder
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a condition that results from a severe, long-standing tear
- Severe fractures, especially among older adults with osteoporosis
- Avascular necrosis, which occurs with disrupted blood supply
Shoulder replacement is major surgery and never the first line of treatment. Your provider may recommend a shoulder replacement if you continue to experience disabling shoulder pain and symptoms despite conservative treatments like physical therapy.
What should I expect from a shoulder replacement?
Shoulder replacement surgery occurs in a hospital operating room while you’re under general or regional anesthesia. The amount of time it takes depends on the specific procedure you need. Total shoulder replacement surgery typically takes about two hours.
Afterward, your surgeon at Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists develops an individualized rehabilitation plan to help you return to your normal routine as quickly and safely as possible.
To schedule a consultation for shoulder replacement surgery, call Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists today.
