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A total shoulder arthroplasty is a procedure for treating patients who have severe pain and stiffness that often can occur at various forms of arthritis or degenerative joint disease. The primary goal when getting a total shoulder arthroplasty is to achieve pain relief and attaining optimal function in the shoulder. About 53,000 people in the United states receive shoulder replacement surgery each year.
A shoulder replacement is required when all other of treatment have been exhausted, in the goal to regain lost range of motion of the arm or pain relief. Apart from a partial or total shoulder replacement the type of prosthesis is also taken into consideration to achieve the best result.
In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components, called a prosthesis. A patient may receive one of the following treatments depending on the patient's diagnosis. One may require a partial replacement of the just the head of the humerus bone (ball), and another a total replacement of both the ball and the socket.
This surgery may be done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. The risk associated with a replacement varies from complication with anesthesia, infection, or dislocation of the joint due to the new ball and socket. The recovery can take from a couple of weeks to six months or longer. The arm will be in a sling for four to six weeks after surgery. If the patient receives a nerve block, it will take 12 to 18 hours to wear off, during which time the hand and arm will be numb. Once feeling returns to the hand, some doctors may suggest making a fist and holding it for five seconds. Followed by physical rehabilitation to be get accustomed to the new joint. The average replacement may last between 10 to 20 years, or when the joint wears out.
For more information about Shoulder Replacement Surgery in the Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, CA area please contact us at 855-SOMA-844 (855-766-2844).
