NJ Joints

Common Conditions Leading to Shoulder Replacement

The need for a Shoulder Replacement can come from a variety of sources. If you often find yourself feeling pain or discomfort in your shoulder, you are not alone. Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons to seek orthopedic care. Whether you have been experiencing occasional discomfort or constant pain, a shoulder doctor at AOSMI can get to the bottom of your problem. While your condition may not require surgery, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process in case it is.

The most common causes of shoulder pain leading to minimally invasive shoulder replacement include:

  • Injuries
  • Overuse
  • Inflammation
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Labral Tear
  • Instability
  • Bursitis
  • Biceps Tendonitis
  • Fractures (scapula, humerus)

Non-Operative Treatments for a Shoulder Injury

Shoulder injury treatment depends on the type of problem. For most types of shoulder pain, nonsurgical treatment can be a solution, removing the need for shoulder joint replacement surgery, including:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Manual treatments – Physical therapy, massage and acupuncture
  • Use of a brace or a sling
  • Injections into the shoulder joint for disorders such as arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis.

The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery

Traditionally, shoulder replacement surgery involved large incisions by shoulder replacement surgeons, significant blood loss, long hospital stays and long rehabilitation. With mini-incision or minimally invasive shoulder replacement surgery combined with new techniques in pain management and anesthesia, AOSMI’s shoulder replacement surgeons can do wonders for your pain and discomfort, including:

  • Smaller incision
  • Shorter hospital stays, some patients qualify for outpatient surgery
  • Shorter recovery after total joint replacement surgery
  • Less blood loss, complications and need for pain medication

Materials for Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The materials used for shoulder replacement surgery vary. Typically, a shoulder replacement has a cobalt chrome head and a polyethylene glenoid surface. The stem can be made of titanium or cobalt chrome, and may have trabecular metal on it. While most shoulder replacements are placed in a cementless fashion, bone cement can be used as well. Reverse shoulder replacements usually have a press-fit cementless glenoid component, and the humeral component is similar to standard shoulder replacement.

Navigation (computer assistance) for joint replacement surgery has been proven to increase surgical accuracy and precision in making bone cuts and placing components. It is expected to yield longer lasting shoulder replacements with less need for revision or repeat surgery.

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To learn more about our Surgeons at AOSMI, contact us today.