Shoulder arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain and greatly reduce an individual’s range of motion in their shoulder joint. Arthritis in the shoulder typically develops later in life and is most often seen in people over the age of 50. However, it can also affect younger individuals who have experienced traumatic shoulder injuries. If the symptoms of shoulder arthritis interfere with a patient’s day-to-day life and cannot be effectively managed using conservative methods such as physical therapy exercises and anti-inflammatory medications, shoulder arthritis surgery may be helpful in alleviating pain and restoring range of motion.
Shoulder Arthritis Surgery
One revolutionary type of shoulder arthritis surgery is called total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Also known as total shoulder replacement, this procedure involves removing damaged pieces of cartilage and bone from the shoulder. The damaged pieces are replaced with metal and plastic implants. This process is designed to relieve arthritis-related pain and improve the patient’s ability to move their shoulder. In some cases, TSA may also be used to treat shoulder issues besides arthritis. These issues include degenerative joint diseases and severe fractures.
Still, some patients are not good candidates for total shoulder replacement. For instance, this type of shoulder arthritis surgery is not suitable for those with cuff tear arthropathy. This is a severe form of shoulder arthritis that develops due to an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Individuals with this complex shoulder condition are much more likely to benefit from something called a reverse shoulder replacement. This procedure may also be the most viable option for those with:
- – Significant shoulder pain and immobilization
- – An unsuccessful previous shoulder replacement
- – A fully torn rotator cuff or failed rotator cuff repair
- – No other treatment options
Like TSA, reverse shoulder replacement involves placing artificial implants in the shoulder. The goal of this is to eliminate pain and restore normal range of motion. However, the ball and socket of the shoulder joint are reversed in this type of shoulder arthritis surgery, which is why it is known as a “reverse” replacement. Generally speaking, most patients are able to resume low-to-medium impact activities such as jogging and playing tennis within four months after having this type of surgery.
Explore Your Shoulder Arthritis Surgery Options with Dr. Soffer
In order to ensure the best possible results from shoulder arthritis surgery of any kind, it’s essential to choose an experienced and skilled orthopedic surgeon. With certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and inclusion on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Doctors for the last five years, Dr. Soffer is highly qualified to offer you cutting-edge shoulder care.
To find out if shoulder arthritis surgery could be the solution to your symptoms, call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Soffer. We look forward to helping you get rid of your shoulder pain and discomfort so that you can return to an active lifestyle.
