Are you experiencing excruciating pain caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the shoulder? Are you unable to raise your hands above your head because of it? At Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates in Duxbury, we believe everyone deserves to live a life free of pain. Reach out to us to find out more about the relief total shoulder replacement could bring you.
What Is Total Shoulder Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement is an advanced procedure that can help alleviate joint pain and restore a proper range of motion in the shoulder. It involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with highly polished metallic or plastic implants.
What To Expect
Your orthopedic surgeon will ask for a complete physical examination several weeks before your scheduled procedure date to ensure you are medically fit. Total shoulder replacement can be done under either general or local anesthesia. Once it is in effect, your surgeon will make an incision across the front of the shoulder to allow access to the affected joint. Tendons will be cut to remove the arthritic and damaged areas. These removed structures are then replaced with an implant ball, socket and stem prosthetic. Your surgeon will ensure the new shoulder joint is neither too tight nor loose, so muscle balance is properly restored. Afterward, the tendons and muscles are carefully repaired, and the incision site is sealed.
Am I A Good Candidate?
One of our providers can give you specific advice tailored to your individual situation, but there are a few factors that most good candidates for total shoulder replacement share. These include:
- Weakness and/or loss of motion in the shoulder
- Failure to improve condition significantly after at least six weeks of non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and supplements
- Moderate to severe pain while resting, particularly if it prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep
- Severe pain interfering with day-to-day activities such as bathing, dressing, using the restroom and reaching into a cabinet
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
To find out if total shoulder replacement is right for you contact us at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates at 781.934.2400 to schedule a consultation today.
