What is a shoulder replacement?
If your shoulder is severely damaged from a condition like arthritis or a bad fracture, a shoulder replacement can relieve pain and help you get back to your everyday activities. During this procedure, Dr. McCulloch removes the damaged portions of your shoulder and replaces them with an artificial joint.
As a leader in shoulder surgery, Dr. McCulloch performs various types of shoulder replacement procedures, including:
- Total shoulder replacement, which replaces both the ball and the socket parts of the joint
- Stemmed hemiarthroplasty, which replaces only the ball and preserves the socket
- Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty, which replaces the surface of the humeral head with a cap
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
He also performs reverse total shoulder replacement. This procedure involves replacing the ball and socket just like a conventional shoulder replacement.
The placement of the artificial joint gets reversed so the cup is on the arm bone and the ball attaches to the shoulder blade which replaces the function of a damaged or torn rotator cuff as well.
Why would I need a shoulder replacement?
Many conditions cause shoulder pain and disability that lead people to consider joint replacement surgery. The most common reasons for a shoulder replacement include:
- Severe fractures that cause the upper arm bone to shatter
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis
- Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis), which refers to a disruption of the blood supply
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy, which may result from a long-standing rotator cuff tear
Dr. McCulloch also performs complex shoulder revision procedures, which may be necessary if you have a previous shoulder replacement that failed for any reason.
What should I expect from shoulder replacement surgery?
First, Dr. McCulloch or a member of his team carefully evaluates your condition and reviews your medical history to make sure you’re a good candidate for a shoulder replacement. They make sure you’ve tried nonoperative measures first, such as physical therapy and injections. The team will also take X-rays to determine the amount of damage to your shoulder.
Dr. McCulloch uses the least-invasive technique possible to ensure a successful recovery for you. Shoulder replacement procedures require general anesthesia with a possible regional block and take him about an hour.
After surgery, you need to rest your arm in a sling for 6 weeks while starting your physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
For one of the most experienced shoulder replacement surgeons in the area, call the office of Dr. Patrick McCulloch, to book an appointment today.
