How to know if you need a shoulder replacement surgery

As joint replacement methods such as a knee, hip, or a shoulder arthroplasty become more and more prevalent every year. Hip and knee replacements certainly are more common however, shoulder replacements are not far behind. You might require surgery to replace your shoulder if joint gets severely damaged. You should know how to know if you need a shoulder replacement surgery first.

The Checklist of the Patient

The best way to discover if you require shoulder replacement surgery is to take an appointment of a qualified physician.   If you answer yes to one or more of the questions listed below, you should plan to discuss solemnly with your orthopaedic doctor about the likelihood of shoulder arthroplasty.

•  Does your shoulder pain interfere with your ability to perform regular, activities?

•  Is your shoulder pain consistent and severe?

• Do you even encounter moderate/severe pain while resting? For instance, does your shoulder pain ever keep you awake at night?

• Have you tried other non-operative treatments already and with no success?

Here is a guide to know if you need a shoulder replacement surgery

Fractures: 

In the case of critical injury, the head of the arm bone can be destroyed so badly that it cannot be repaired and hence must be replaced. A doctor may suggest a partial or total shoulder replacement to replace the broken bone, depending upon the health of the clavicle which stabilizes the joint and restores function.

Arthritis of the shoulder joint: 

Most often happening in patients over 50 years. This degenerative state causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint as protective cartilage wears down over the years. Your surgeon may initially recommend anti-inflammatory medication, but if that, coupled with other options of non-surgical treatment, do not appear in pain relief or increased mobility, then it may be time to sincerely consider the advantages of total shoulder replacement. Osteoarthritis is one of the most obvious reasons that patients have this method.

Rotator Cuff Tear: 

A rotator cuff tear occurs when a patient bears an injury to one of the four muscles that cover around the upper portion of the arm bone. These muscles are necessary for producing balance in the shoulder joint and arthritis can result when long-term tears are left unattended. The joint suffers due to lack of stability over time, and the onset of arthritis. A shoulder replacement surgery may be suggested.

Get the health tips to know more about the shoulder and joints injuries by Dr Lalit Modi - A knee specialist doctor at JaipurJoints clinic in Jaipur. For more health tips visit our website jaipurjoints or contact us at +91-8003322999