Understanding the Different Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgeries
When your shoulder joint begins to deteriorate, it can cause chronic pain, swelling, and loss of motion. If you have tried other treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, without success, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery. One of the most common surgical procedures for shoulder problems is a shoulder replacement surgery. However, not all shoulder replacement surgeries are equal, and not everyone needs the same procedure. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of shoulder replacement surgeries that are commonly performed.
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Total shoulder replacement surgery is the most common procedure used to treat shoulder arthritis. This surgery involves replacing the ball joint at the top of your upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade socket (glenoid) with prosthetic components. This procedure is also used to treat rotator cuff tears with significant arthritis. After the surgery, your shoulder should be more stable, with improved strength and range of motion. However, it might take several months of physical therapy and rehabilitation to fully recover from the surgery.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Reverse shoulder replacement surgery is often recommended for patients who have a torn rotator cuff and severe arthritis. This procedure, which involves replacing the damaged joint with a reversed shoulder, is different from traditional shoulder replacement surgery because the ball and socket are reversed. This surgery is commonly recommended for patients with deficient rotator cuff tendon.
Partial Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Partial shoulder replacement surgery is also known as a hemiarthroplasty. This surgery is used to treat shoulder arthritis when only the ball joint at the top of your upper arm bone (humerus) is damaged but the shoulder socket is still healthy. During the procedure, the damaged portion of the joint is removed, and a metal replacement ball joint is inserted into your humerus. Your surgeon will carefully determine if a partial shoulder replacement is an acceptable treatment based on your symptoms and X-ray imaging.
Resurfacing Shoulder Arthroplasty
Resurfacing shoulder arthroplasty, also known as shoulder joint resurfacing, is a newer surgery method developed to treat younger patients with severe shoulder pain. This procedure involves reshaping the bones in the shoulder joint and placing an artificial cap on the humeral head. This replaces the root cause of shoulder pain without altering the joint's stability. Resurfacing shoulder arthroplasty eliminates the need to replace the entire ball and socket of the shoulder joint.
Stemless Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Stemless shoulder replacement surgery is a new procedure gaining popularity for younger patients. This surgery eliminates the need for using long metal stems in the upper arm bone (humerus), as in a total shoulder replacement. Instead, this surgery uses an implant with a base that sits securely at the end of the bone without a stem. By avoiding long metal stems, this surgery is meant to give younger patients a stronger joint with fewer risks of future surgeries.
Conclusion
Knowing the different types of shoulder replacement surgeries can help you understand your options better. Many factors, including age, shoulder condition, and lifestyle, influence the type of shoulder replacement surgery that is most appropriate for you. If you are looking for expert orthopedic surgeons in Orange City, FL, and are experiencing any shoulder problem, contact Central Florida Bone and Joint Institute today to schedule an appointment. We are committed to helping you find a treatment suitable for your specific needs and restoring your quality of life.