Shoulder Replacement

Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP

Orthopedic Surgery located in Houston, TX & The Greater Houston Area

Shoulder replacements may not be as common as hip or knee replacements, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as effective at relieving pain or improving life. The experienced team of surgeons at Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP, with several locations in Houston, Texas, and the greater Houston area, offers extensive and specialized surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions, including shoulder replacements. If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, call Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP to schedule an appointment today.

Shoulder Replacement Q & A

What is a shoulder replacement?

Your shoulder is a ball-and-saucer joint composed of three different bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade(scapula), and collarbone (clavicle). A shoulder replacement surgically replaces worn out components of the articulating surfaces of the humerus and scapula with prosthetics, or artificial parts.

Several conditions can lead to shoulder problems, including:

Osteoarthritis: Mechanical wear-and-tear of the joint cartilage.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Chronic inflammation causing cartilage damage and loss.
Post-traumatic arthritis: Cartilage damage following an injury.
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy: Cartilage damage caused by a chronic rotator cuff tear.
Avascular necrosis: Bone death due to lack of blood supply

You may also need a shoulder replacement following a severe fracture where your bones have been shattered to the point of being difficult to heal well even after being put back together.

How does a shoulder replacement work?

There are different types of shoulder replacements that require a specialized orthopedic surgeon. Based on your shoulder condition, your highly trained Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP physician may recommend one of the following techniques:

Total shoulder replacement: replacing both the ball and saucer portions of your shoulder joint.
Hemiarthroplasty: Only replacing the ball portion.

In some cases, your doctor may advise a reverse total shoulder replacement. During this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon reverses the total shoulder replacement technique: replacing the saucer with a ball and replacing the ball with a cup type prosthesis.

What can I expect after shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgeries are often followed and by an overnight stay at the surgical facility, such as a hospital.

For 2-4 weeks after your surgery, your arm is in a sling. While your activity is limited, it’s essential to follow your home exercise plan to regain overall strength and mobility. Many patients can perform regular light activities such as eating, grooming, and self-dressing within a few weeks of their surgery.

To learn more about shoulder replacement, call Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP to schedule an appointment.

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