Shoulder Replacement

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that around 53,000 people in the United States undergo shoulder replacement surgery every year. If you need a shoulder replacement, visit Ashvin K. Dewan, MD in Sugar Land, Texas. Dr. Dewan has extensive experience in performing shoulder replacement surgery using minimally invasive techniques. Schedule a consultation by calling the office today or using the online form.

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Shoulder Replacement Q & A

What is a shoulder replacement?

Shoulder replacement is a procedure in which Dr. Dewan replaces the ends of the bones that make up your shoulder joint with artificial implants.

Most people who have shoulder pain don’t need surgery. A combination of rest, physical therapy, medication, and healing PRP injections usually resolves shoulder pain. Some people might need steroid injections into the joint, or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair soft tissue damage.

In a few cases, either these treatments are no longer effective, or the damage to your shoulder joint is too severe to repair. It’s then that Dr. Dewan will talk to you about shoulder replacement.

Shoulder replacement surgery is a highly complex procedure. Fortunately, Dr. Dewan specializes in these types of technical surgeries.

What conditions might lead to shoulder replacement?

Some of the reasons why you might need a shoulder replacement include:

  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Failed previous shoulder replacement surgery
  • Severe fractures
  • Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy

Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is the most common condition that leads to shoulder replacement. This type of arthritis develops over the years as a result of joint wear-and-tear. The cushioning layer of cartilage on the ends of your bones deteriorates and wears down, gradually exposing the bone.

Without protection, the bones rub together and create friction. The result is chronic joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function.

What types of shoulder replacement surgeries are there?

Dr. Dewan performs two types of shoulder replacement surgeries using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible:

Total shoulder replacement

With total shoulder replacement, Dr. Dewan removes the joint surfaces and replaces them with a socket made of plastic, and a metal ball on a long stem (the humeral component).

If your bones are soft or weak, Dr. Dewan will probably cement the implants in place. If your bones are healthy beyond the joint, your surgeon might use a non-cemented press-fit technique to fit the humeral component.

Reverse total shoulder replacement

This type of shoulder replacement switches the positions of the shoulder socket and metal ball implants. It’s for patients who can’t use their rotator cuff properly, as it enables them to use the deltoid muscle to lift their arm instead.

After your procedure, Dr. Dewan provides recovery instructions to ensure you heal quickly. Be sure to attend any follow-up appointments as well.

Find out more about shoulder replacement surgery by calling Ashvin K. Dewan, MD today or book an appointment online.

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