5 columbushosp.org Is shoulder pain making you miserable? It may be time to replace that achy joint If you’ve been suffering from severe shoulder pain, you might wish you could get a new shoulder and get back to living your life again. The good news: That may be more than wishful thinking. While it isn’t as well-known as knee or hip replacement surgery, shoulder replacement surgery is an option in certain situations. And it works just as well at relieving joint pain as hip or knee replacement, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Why get a joint replacement? Severe arthritis is one reason to consider shoulder replacement surgery. Over time, arthritis can damage the cushioning cartilage within a joint so severely that bones begin to rub against bones. The result is a painful, stiff shoulder. Fractures and certain severe shoulder injuries (unusually large or longlasting rotator cuff tears) are some other reasons you might replace a shoulder. If your pain is due to arthritis or another problem, your doctor will most likely want you to try conservative treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications. If these treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement surgery, especially if, for instance: ● Shoulder pain limits your daily activities, like getting dressed, using a toilet or bathing. ● Your shoulder hurts even when you rest, and it keeps you awake at night. ● Your shoulder is weak and hard to move. How does it work? If you decide to have shoulder replacement surgery, your surgeon will most likely remove the damaged parts of your shoulder ’s ball-and-socket joint and replace them with new metal and plastic parts. Or, depending on the condition of your shoulder, they may replace just the ball part of the joint. After shoulder replacement surgery, you’ll probably be able to go home in one to three days. You’ll likely be able to return to many regular activities, such as driving, two to six weeks after surgery. Full recovery can take up to six months. Who will performmy surgery? Dr. Thomas Saylor joined Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic in January 2021 as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and hand surgery. Saylor has completed thousands of successful surgeries and worked with many prestigious organizations in his more than 20-year career. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, with an additional certification in hand surgery. Saylor is available at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic every third week. Get the facts Learn more about shoulder replacement surgery and other orthopedic services at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic by visiting columbusorthopedics.com or calling 402-562-4700.
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