Shoulder Replacement Surgery (1 of 3)

Are You Considering Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Replaced Shoulder Circumstances vary, but generally patients are considered for total joint replacement if:

Functional limitations restrict not only work and recreation, but also the ordinary activities of daily living
Pain is not relieved by more conservative methods of treatment — such as medications (including, for the shoulder, injections of cortisone, a powerful anti-inflammatory medication) and physical therapy — and/or by restricting activities
Stiffness in the joint is marked and, in the shoulder, significantly limits range of motion of the arm
X-rays show advanced arthritis or other problems

Restoration of movement is particularly important in the shoulder, the body mechanism that allows your arm to rotate in every direction. If you’re experiencing severe shoulder pain and reduced shoulder movement, there are probably many daily activities you can no longer do — or do as well or as comfortably — as before your shoulder problems began.

The Results: In a study of 24 patients who had undergone total shoulder replacement*
* Before surgery, 100% of patients had disabling pain
* After surgery, 92% of patients had no pain

Remember, even if your orthopaedic specialist determines that shoulder joint replacement is a good medical option for you, it is still up to you to make the final decision. The ultimate goal is for you to be as comfortable as possible, and that always means making the best decision for you based on your own individual needs.

Patient Testimonial

“I had the operation so I could get back to life, back to making a living. I’m so glad I did it.”

“I felt confident going into surgery, and my rehab was great. Now I can reach up with both hands, get a book off a shelf, write normally on a blackboard, and sleep without constantly waking up in pain — things people said I’d never do again.”

— Steve Fish, 53
Stryker Shoulder Replacement
2004

Bottom line: You don’t have to live with severe shoulder pain and the functional limitations it causes. If you have not experienced adequate results with medication and other conservative treatments, shoulder replacement may provide the pain relief you long for — and help you to return to the lifestyle and activities you enjoy.

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*Friedman RJ et al., JBJS. 1989;71:494-498.