There are some medical procedures that seem like they’re right out of a science fiction novel. Shoulder replacement surgery is one of those things. After all, how could someone possibly replace their shoulder? Fortunately, modern medicine has found a way to do just that. Shoulder replacement surgery is an operation that aims to restore natural mobility to the shoulder joint in patients who have experienced significant bone or joint damage due to trauma or simply due to the natural aging process.
If you suffer from a diseased or damaged shoulder and are interested in learning more about shoulder replacement surgery and its potential benefits for you, this article has everything you need to know about it. Read on for more information on what shoulder replacement surgery involves, what the recovery period looks like after the procedure, and whether or not you’re eligible for it as an insured individual.
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery is an operation that can be performed on patients who have had severe joint damage, either from trauma or from the natural aging process. The surgery involves removing the head of the humerus bone, the ball portion of the shoulder joint that connects to the upper arm bone, as well as the socket portion of the shoulder joint, which connects to the upper part of the upper arm bone. The humerus bone is then replaced with an artificial ball and socket joint made out of metal, plastic, and other materials. The replacement of the joint is meant to allow patients to regain full mobility in their shoulder while also preventing any future damage to the shoulder joint due to the use of synthetic materials. Artificial joints are extremely durable, but they’re not without their share of drawbacks.
What Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Involve?
The first step in shoulder replacement surgery is to administer general anesthesia to your body. This will ensure that you’re completely unconscious throughout the procedure. Once you’re under, the surgeon will make an incision in the armpit area of one of your shoulders and remove the damaged joint. Next, the surgeon will clean the site of the removed joint and use the remaining bone to create a socket for the artificial joint. The surgeon will then put the new joint in the socket and secure it in place with either screws or a press-fit method. The surgeon will then close the incision and administer pain medication to help with any potential post-surgery discomfort you might be feeling.
What Are the Benefits of Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
There are a number of benefits associated with shoulder replacement surgery. Some of these include: While each of these benefits is certainly valuable, they do come with a few caveats. For one thing, shoulder replacement surgery is not a perfect operation. The synthetic materials used in the joint can break down over time, requiring the patient to undergo additional surgery to replace the joint.
Who Is Eligible for Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
In order to be eligible for shoulder replacement surgery, you’ll need to have some form of joint damage. While there is no specific type of joint damage that will qualify you for the procedure, there are a few things your surgeon will look for when deciding whether or not you’re a good candidate for the surgery. To be considered a good candidate for shoulder replacement surgery, you’ll need to be healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia and have significant joint pain that can’t be treated with other forms of treatment. You’ll also need to be in good enough general health to survive the operation without suffering from any complications.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery: The Bottom Line
When all is said and done, shoulder replacement surgery is a great way to treat severe joint damage. The procedure can restore natural movement to the joint, decrease or eliminate joint pain, and reduce the risk of future damage to the shoulder joint due to the synthetic materials used in the joint replacement. With all of these benefits in mind, it’s no surprise that so many people are choosing to undergo shoulder replacement surgery. If you have significant joint damage in your shoulder, this surgery may be the best solution for you.
