Shoulder Arthoplasty
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, approximately 53,000 Americans will have shoulder replacement surgery this year. If you are one of the many people currently suffering from pain or limited mobility in your shoulder, total shoulder arthroplasty from Orthopedic Institute of Rio Grande Valley may be in your near future:
-
What is Total Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Total shoulder arthroplasty is a safe and effective surgical procedure in which a damaged or worn out shoulder joint is replaced with a new, artificial joint instead. The new joint consists of a metal ball and a plastic socket. This procedure is designed to relieve shoulder pain and help you resume your everyday activities once again.
-
When is a Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Necessary?
While a small amount of shoulder pain may not be cause for concern, if you experience significant pain or limited functionality in your shoulder and other treatment methods haven’t helped, total surgery arthroplasty may provide just the solution you need. These other treatments include rest, medication, and physical therapy. Common medical conditions which often lead to a need for total shoulder replacement include osteonecrosis, fractures, various forms of arthritis and previous failed shoulder replacements.
-
How Do I Know if I Need Total Shoulder Arthroplasty?
The only way to truly know for sure if total shoulder arthroplasty is right for you is to visit a qualified orthopedic surgeon, such as those at Orthopedic Institute of Rio Grande Valley. Your orthopedic surgeon will ask questions about your medical history, examine your shoulder, take x-rays and possibly perform other tests such as MRIs, bone scans or blood tests to learn more about your condition and the factors that may be causing it. He or she will also ask about your symptoms, which may include, pain, a limited range of motion, stiffness and a grinding sensation. If your symptoms are severe enough, they cannot be attributed to other conditions and they do not respond to other treatments, your doctor may recommend total shoulder arthroplasty.
If you are one of the many people suffering from shoulder pain or a lack of motion, you don’t have to live with your symptoms any longer. Call Orthopedic Institute of Rio Grande Valley to set up an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with one of our qualified orthopedic surgeons today.
