|
 Although
arthritis affects more than 16 million Americans and is a common
cause of shoulder pain and loss of function, but many people put off
shoulder joint replacement, citing a fear of risks and costs.
Debunking those myths, a recent Johns Hopkins study reports total
replacement of arthritic shoulder joints carries no greater risk of
complications than replacement of other major joints, such as hips
and knees. Plus, researchers say patients who undergo shoulder
replacement experience fewer complications, shorter hospital stays
and less costs than patients undergoing hip or knee replacement.
Surgeons have several options for their patients when it comes to
performing the shoulder replacement procedure.
In a traditional total shoulder replacement procedure, surgeons make
a three-to-four inch incision between the arm and the collarbone and
replace the arthritic joint surfaces with a metal ball attached to a
stem and a plastic socket. Some patients are able to receive
this surgery arthroscopically, or via a scope used through a small
incision.
Depending on the condition of the shoulder, your surgeon may only
need to replace the ball. This is considered a partial
shoulder replacement.
Finally, some patients may need a reverse total shoulder
replacement, where the surgeon places the socket and metal ball on
the opposite sides. "Reverse total shoulder replacement is
reserved for people who have completely torn rotator cuffs, severe
arthritis or have had a previous shoulder replacement that failed,"
says Todd Atkinson, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Dr. A. Kagan and
Associates. Dr. Atkinson spent six months studying and
performing this highly specialized surgery in Switzerland.
All shoulder replacement surgeries are performed on an implant
basis, and most patients are discharged from the hospital just a few
days after the operation. Patients must wear an arm sling for
the first several weeks after surgery, and most will be able to
perform simple activities such as eating, dressing and grooming
within two weeks after surgery.
If you have shoulder pain, contact Dr. Atkinson at 239-482-8788
to see if shoulder replacement surgery is right for you. |
