Types of Shoulder Replacements
Partial shoulder replacement
A partial shoulder replacement is performed when only the “ball” or humeral head needs to be replaced. This is also known as a shoulder hemi-arthroplasty. The most common reason to perform this surgery is for a severe fracture of the ball.
Another type of partial replacement is known as a resurfacing procedure.
Shoulder resurfacing
This type of shoulder replacement is performed in younger very active patients who have cartilage worn down to bone on the ball but not on the “socket” or glenoid.
Total shoulder replacement
This surgery is needed when the cartilage is worn down on both the ball and socket (i.e. osteoarthritis of the shoulder).
Reverse total shoulder replacement
In a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball is placed where the socket is and the socket where the ball is. This is needed for patients with large rotator cuff tears that cannot be fixed. In this situation most patients also develop arthritis.
Conditions that May Need a Shoulder Replacement
Degenerative or Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder
This is also known as shoulder arthritis and is the most common reason to need a shoulder replacement. The arthritis occurs between the ball and socket. This is very different from a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles and tendons that attach to the outer part of the ball.
Massive Rotator cuff tear that can’t be repaired combined with Shoulder Arthritis
This is also known as rotator cuff arthropathy. In most cases the rotator cuff tears slowly over a period of years and gradually pulls away from its normal attachment. Scar tissue and arthritis develop over time until one day the patient begins to have pain and weakness. The rotator cuff cannot be repaired due to how far it has pulled away, the amount of scar tissue and shrinking of the muscle (i.e. atrophy). In this case a reverse total shoulder replacement is needed to reduce pain and improve use of the arm.
The Most Common Symptoms of Patients with Shoulder Arthritis
- Pain
- Grinding, Catching Locking
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Loss of use
Non-surgical treatments for Shoulder Arthritis
- NSAIDs
- Cortisone injections
- PRP injections
- Stem Cell injections
- Lipogems injections
- Physical therapy
- Modifying activities
Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery
- Outpatient or One night stay in the hospital
- Pain Management- A nerve block is given prior to surgery to numb the shoulder and arm. This generally lasts 12-24 hours. Patients are also given prescriptions for a pain medication and encouraged to take Tylenol and apply ice
- Sling
- Total Shoulder Replacement and Shoulder Resurfacing patients are required to wear a sling for 4-6 weeks except for showers, very light home exercises and physical therapy
- Reverse shoulder replacement patients wear the sling only when walking outside of the home. At home they can use there arm for eating, dressing, brushing teeth but not lifting more than one pound. The are given instructions for home exercises and sent to physical therapy
- Physical therapy
- This generally begins 1 week after surgery for 2 days per week up to 3 months depending on progress.
Patient Shoulder Testimonial
Why G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine?
Dr. Goradia is a nationally known expert in knee & shoulder problems, arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, and joint replacement with two clinics in the Richmond area. He practices in our West End & Midlothian office and sees patients from Hanover, Henrico, Short Pump, Midlothian and all over Central Virginia. In many cases patients travel from across the state and even across the country to consult with Dr. Goradia.
When it comes to shoulder replacement, Dr. Goradia doesn’t believe in a one size fits all approach to treatment. Each patient is fully evaluated with care and attention so he can make the right diagnosis. Treatment plans are completely individualized for all of our patients.
