According to the Cleveland Clinic, shoulder replacement is the fastest growing joint replacement surgery. If you have been experiencing shoulder pain, how do you know if you are a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery?
The shoulder is a highly movable body joint that allows various movements of the arm. It is a ball and socket joint where the head of the humerus, your upper arm bone, articulates with the socket of the scapula, your shoulder blade. In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial prostheses. Replacement of both the humeral head and the socket is called a total shoulder replacement.
Shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended in the case of a fracture but is usually indicated when a patient is suffering from osteoarthritis or chronic rotator cuff conditions. Osteoarthritis and rotator cuff conditions will cause pain in the upper arm as well as the front and back of the shoulder. Stiffness in the joint is a prevalent symptom of osteoarthritis, however, weakness in the shoulder is most prevalent with rotator cuff issues.
You are a good candidate for shoulder replacement if you are experiencing the following conditions:
- Consistent pain or stiffness in the shoulder
- Pain that interferes with your daily activities
- Pain that wakes you up or keeps you up at night
- Weakness or loss of motion in the shoulder
- Persistent pain even with conservative treatment options
Shoulder replacement is a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain and restore function to the shoulder joint. It is an elective procedure and should be decided upon between you, your family, and your doctor.
If you have tried conservative treatment methods but are still suffering from shoulder pain that is affecting your daily activities and reducing your quality of life, then you are a good candidate for shoulder replacement.
Dr. Daneca DiPaolo is a highly skilled, board certified orthopedic surgeon located in Grenada, Mississippi. She offers the latest orthopedic techniques and provides quality, compassionate, state of the art orthopedic care. For all appointments and inquiries, please call (662) 227-7794 or visit our website www.drdipaolo.com
