More than 100,000 people each year opt for shoulder replacement in the United States to restore mobility and relieve nagging shoulder pain. If pain medication, corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and/or pain medication didn’t do the job, either standard or reverse shoulder replacement offers a lasting solution.
Knowledgeable board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Robert A. Mileski, MD, uses the most innovative robotic and state-of-the art techniques for both standard and reverse shoulder replacement and beyond at Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Understanding the reasoning behind traditional and reverse shoulder replacement helps you make an informed decision.
During standard shoulder replacement surgery, Dr. Mileski attaches a metal ball to your upper arm bone, known as the humerus, and a plastic socket to your shoulder blade, aka scapula. This re-creates the way your anatomy actually looks.
In certain cases, it’s more advisable to reverse this placement by attaching a plastic socket to your upper arm bone and a metal ball to your shoulder blade.
A standard shoulder replacement works best when you possess good tendons and muscles. If your rotator cuff, the group of muscles and tendons surrounding your shoulder that keeps your humerus in its socket, is faulty, reverse shoulder placement remains a viable option.
Dr. Mileski may perform this inverted surgery when you suffer from:
Dr. Mileski addresses these issues and others to decide what will work best for you.
Our team first checks your vital signs, including:
Your anesthesiologist then applies general, regional, or a combination of anesthesia.
During surgery, Dr. Mileski:
You stay in recovery until you wake, then head home or to a hospital room for a day or two, armed with a shoulder sling to stabilize the area.
After about a year, around 95% of patients report little to no shoulder pain. The average time table includes the following.
Dr. Mileski refers you to a physical therapist to help you gently move the area. You remove the sling during this time, as well.
You may still experience a bit of weakness in the area. Your range of motion reaches around half of its normal capacity.
Your strength and motion approach about two-thirds the normal level. You should experience only minimal pain.
You can usually return to nonphysical work after just a few weeks. Those who perform physical labor should discuss their options with Dr. Mileski, who may suggest you take at least six months before returning.
Whether you choose standard or reverse shoulder surgery, your replacement should last up to two decades, depending upon a number of variables, such as age, activity level, and rotator cuff integrity.
Whichever type of surgery you choose, Dr. Mileski repairs your damaged shoulder to relieve pain and restore mobility for years to come.
If you’re ready to gain long-term relief from shoulder pain or discuss other orthopedic issues, simply schedule a consultation online or by phone with Dr. Mileski at Phoenix Orthopedic Group today.
