Your shoulder joints help you perform a wide range of motions, making it essential for everyday tasks such as lifting, throwing, and reaching. However, shoulder injuries or chronic conditions can restrict your ability to move freely and cause a fair amount of pain.
In some cases, non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, may relieve symptoms and improve your mobility. More severe cases may need orthopedic surgery to repair damaged tissues or correct structural problems.
Here are some of the different types of shoulder surgery that can help you regain mobility and the freedom to do day-to-day activities.
Arthroscopic Surgery
This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a slender, lighted scope into the shoulder joint through small incisions. With a tiny camera and miniaturized instruments attached to the scope, your orthopedic surgeon can examine and repair any damage within the joint.
This type of shoulder surgery can be used to treat rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, and inflammation in the lining of the joint.
Open Shoulder Surgery
In some cases, a more invasive approach may be necessary for treating conditions like severe arthritis or complex fractures. Open shoulder surgery involves making a larger incision to directly access and repair damaged tissues within the joint.
While this orthopedic procedure may have a longer recovery time, it also can accomplish more complex repairs.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty)
For patients with advanced arthritis or traumatic damage to the shoulder joint, replacement surgery may be the best option.
In this procedure, the orthopedic surgeon replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial parts made of high-tech and durable metal and plastic.
Shoulder replacement surgery improves mobility and helps reduce or even completely eliminate pain.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
This surgery is an ideal solution for patients who have completely torn rotator cuffs. Reverse shoulder replacement surgery involves changing the normal orientation of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. It places an artificial socket on top of the humerus, or arm bone, and a ball on the shoulder blade. This is the exact reverse of a natural shoulder joint.
The reverse orientation allows the deltoid muscle, instead of the damaged rotator cuff muscles, to power and control arm movement. The results are improved function and pain relief for patients who may not have had other surgical options.
Shoulder Stabilization Surgery
People who have had repeated shoulder dislocations may benefit from shoulder stabilization surgery. This procedure tightens and strengthens the affected shoulder joint, preventing it from moving out of position in the future.
The surgery involves repairing or replacing damaged ligaments and using surgical anchors to hold the joint in place. Shoulder stabilization surgery can improve joint stability and reduce the risk of future dislocations.
Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that move the arm and keep the shoulder itself in its socket. When these muscles or tendons are torn, you can experience weakness, pain, and limited mobility.
Rotator cuff repair surgery involves reattaching these tissues to the bone, allowing for proper healing of the tear and significantly improving your shoulder strength and mobility.
Shoulder Surgery Recovery
Recovery from shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder replacement, or open surgery typically involves a customized physical therapy program to help you regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder joint. Wearing a sling or other device to prevent movement for a prescribed amount of time will also be essential for a safe and fast recovery.
You should follow all post-surgery instructions—including how and when to take pain medications—from your orthopedic doctors to ensure proper healing and recovery. Avoid any activities which can place strain on the shoulder joint during the recovery period. This may include heavy lifting or repetitive overhead motions.
It is important to note that complete recovery from all types of shoulder surgery is not a short process and may take a few weeks to months. Your recovery time will depend on factors such as the type of injury, procedure, overall health and physical conditions, the kind of work you do, and others.
Getting State-of-the-Art Shoulder Surgery in Maryland
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our expert shoulder surgeons are skilled in performing state-of-the-art shoulder surgery to help patients of all ages regain full function and mobility. They will sit with you to evaluate your condition and provide you with the most effective options to alleviate your shoulder pain. We have five locations to serve you, including a fully equipped SurgiCenter in Lutherville, MD.
We invite you to book a consultation with one of our shoulder doctors to learn more about types of shoulder surgery and other treatment options. Please call us at (410) 296-6232 or request a visit online. We look forward to helping you!
