Is Shoulder Replacement Right for You? Understanding the Candidacy Criteria
Chronic shoulder pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities like dressing, reaching, and sleeping difficult. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be an option.
At Signature Orthopedics, our experienced shoulder surgeons specialize in helping patients regain mobility and live pain-free. In this blog post, we’ll explore the criteria for shoulder replacement candidacy, helping you understand if this procedure is right for you.
What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial components (prostheses). This procedure is highly effective for individuals with severe arthritis, fractures, or other conditions that cause shoulder pain and limit function.
Who is a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement?
While your orthopedic surgeon will make the final determination, you may be a good candidate for shoulder replacement surgery if you meet the following criteria:
1. Significant Joint Damage
X-rays or other imaging tests reveal significant damage to the shoulder joint, such as:
- Severe Osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason for shoulder replacement. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact and pain.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disease causes inflammation and damage to the joint lining, leading to pain and deformity.
- Post-traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis develops after a shoulder injury, such as a fracture or dislocation.
- Avascular Necrosis: This condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, causing bone tissue to die and collapse.
2. Chronic Shoulder Pain
You experience chronic shoulder pain that:
- Persists despite conservative treatments: You’ve tried non-surgical options like pain medications, injections, physical therapy, and activity modification without significant relief.
- Interferes with daily activities: The pain limits your ability to perform everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, reaching overhead, or sleeping.
- Affects your quality of life: The pain significantly impacts your overall well-being and prevents you from participating in activities you enjoy.
3. Limited Mobility and Function
You have limited range of motion, stiffness, weakness, or instability in your shoulder that:
- Restricts your arm movement: You have difficulty lifting, rotating, or reaching with your arm.
- Impairs your ability to participate in work or hobbies: You can’t perform your job duties or engage in recreational activities due to shoulder limitations.
4. Good Overall Health
You are generally in good health and able to undergo surgery. While certain medical conditions may increase the risks of surgery, your surgeon will carefully evaluate your overall health to determine your suitability for the procedure.
Benefits of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery can provide significant benefits, including:
- Pain Relief: The procedure effectively relieves chronic shoulder pain, allowing you to perform daily activities with greater ease.
- Improved Mobility: Shoulder replacement restores range of motion and function, improving your ability to move your arm freely.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: By reducing pain and improving function, shoulder replacement can enhance your overall quality of life and allow you to participate in activities you enjoy.
Signature Orthopedics: Your Partner in Shoulder Care
At Signature Orthopedics, our experienced shoulder surgeons are dedicated to providing personalized care and helping you achieve the best possible outcomes. We utilize advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive rehabilitation programs to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
If you’re struggling with chronic shoulder pain and conservative treatments have failed to provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be an option. Contact Signature Orthopedics today to schedule a consultation with one of our shoulder specialists. We’ll evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment options, and help you determine if shoulder replacement is the right choice for you.