TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT is recommended for patients who have advanced osteoarthritis of the shoulder. This surgery replaces the " ball-and-socket" surfaces of the shoulder with prosthetics. This procedure is a viable option for relieving debilitating shoulder pain from advanced arthritis. .Many patients seek an opinion for the procedure when they have not responded to any conservative treatment such as physical therapy, cortisone injections or NSAIDS. Some symptoms include:
Difficulty sleeping due to pain
Debilitating pain, limited function, limited range of motion
Inability to perform activities of daily living involved in motion or lifting
Limitation or inability to participate in exercises and activities previously enjoyed
RESURFACING SHOULDER REPLACEMENT surgery is a type of shoulder surgery that involves replacing the humeral joint surface with a metal covering, or cap, thus preserving the bone of the proximal part of the humerus. The severely arthrtic humeral head is fitted with a smooth, rounded cap to facilitate improved joint movement. This proceudre does not involve complete removal of the natural humeral head nor does it require the insertion of a prosthetic humeral stem as in a Total Shoulder Replacement.
HEMI-ARTHROPLASTY SHOULDER REPLACEMENT (partial shoulder replacement) This surgery is performed when a severely arthritic or fractured humeral head is replaced with a prosthetic humeral head and stem. During the procedure, the humeral head is removed and replaced with a prosthetic ball, but the natural socket, or glenoid bone, remains intact.
A consultation, examination of the shoulder joint and review of xrays and/or other images are necessary to determine which procedure would provide optimum results for a patient's condition. Please contact us at 973 762-8344 for an appointment.