If you have shoulder arthritis or an irreparable rotator cuff tear that is not getting better with conservative measures, shoulder replacement surgery is the option your shoulder surgeon may recommend for you.
Shoulder replacement surgery is highly successful at restoring shoulder motion, strength, and function. However, before agreeing to the surgery, you should be well informed about its procedure, risks, possible complications, etc.
Let’s talk about 7 questions you can ask your shoulder surgeon so that you can make a well-informed decision about your surgery and where you can go for shoulder replacement surgery in Southwest Florida.
Question #1 What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery or shoulder arthroplasty is the surgical removal of the shoulder joint, which is replaced with an artificial implant to reduce pain and restore the range of mobility and rotation.
Question #2 How Am I a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The most common reason for you to have shoulder replacement surgery is if your shoulder joint is if you have end-stage arthritis that can’t be controlled with nonsurgical treatments like medications, rest, physical therapy, etc.
Question #3 What the Shoulder Replacement Surgery Procedure is Like
For shoulder replacement, your surgeon first separates the pectoral and deltoid muscles to access the nerve-free shoulder area. Then, your shoulder surgeon cuts open the front muscles to view and manipulate the damaged or arthritic part of the joint. Lastly, the damaged or arthritic section is removed, the implant is inserted, and the incision is closed and stitched.
Question #4 What Is the Success Rate of The Procedure
It goes without saying that in the field of medicine, there is no such thing as 100% success. However, shoulder replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure that results in pain relief after the procedure. Also, the 10 years survival rate of the procedure is up to 90%.
Question #5 Will I feel Pain During the Procedure
No, you won’t feel pain during the shoulder replacement procedure. This is because you will either be partially or completely sedated. You’ll be given regional anesthesia with an interscalene long-acting nerve block and general anesthesia.
Question #6 What Are the Risks and Complications of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The chances of complications in shoulder replacement surgery are rare. However, if complications occur, those may include:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Glenoid loosening
- Shoulder instability (the ball slipping out of the socket)
- Stiffness
Question #7 How Long Does It Take to Recover from Shoulder Arthroplasty
The recovery time after the shoulder arthroplasty varies from individual to individual. Generally, it takes eight weeks or more for the bulk of full recovery from shoulder replacement surgery.
However, you may have to wait several months to return to heavy labor or strenuous strength exercises.
Shoulder Replacement Surgeon in Southwest Florida
Have shoulder pain and stiffness? Get your shoulder evaluated by our shoulder surgeon at Advanced Orthopedic Center. Our highly skilled and experienced shoulder surgeon Dr. Stchur has years of experience in performing shoulder replacement surgeries. Our shoulder surgeon performs over 400 successful shoulder replacement surgeries annually to help our patient regain their normal range of motion without pain. He is one of the busiest shoulder surgeons in the world.
To set up a consultation with our shoulder surgeon, call us today at (941) 629-6262 or complete our online appointment request form.
