Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
Not many people think about the importance of their shoulder until they start to experience pain and the loss of range of motion. If a person experiences pain when lifting their arm above their head, this could be an indicator that the shoulder joint would benefit from some type of orthopedic intervention. There are more conservative approaches available to help relieve shoulder pain. Rest, physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are good examples of non-surgical interventions, but the purpose of this article is to provide valuable information on Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery.
So what exactly is a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the glenohumeral joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Such joint replacement surgery generally is conducted to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint damage. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoulder_replacement
Am I a candidate for joint replacement surgery?
Below are 4 keys symptoms of a candidate for surgery. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
- Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities, such as reaching into a cabinet, dressing, toileting, and washing.
- Moderate to severe pain while resting. This pain may be severe enough to prevent a good night’s sleep.
- Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder.
- Failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.
One of the principle reasons for pain in the shoulder joint is Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease) and is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is a chronic condition in which the material that cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. The cause is not fully understood.
Hudson Florida Office (727) 697-2200
In the process of consulting with your doctor – you will have gone through conservative protocols to arrive at the conclusion that a total joint replacement is necessary. To find out more about Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery call the Center for Bone and Joint Disease @ Phone: (727) 697-2200 and set an appointment to talk with Dr. Salinsky about your unique situation.