Shoulder Replacement
Orthopedic Surgeons in West Bloomfield, MI
At Lederman Kwartowitz Orthopedics in West Bloomfield, Michigan, our orthopedic surgeons are leaders in shoulder replacement surgery and reverse shoulder replacement surgery. We use the newest technology and implant systems available to give you the best possible outcome. Based on your specific condition, we’ll talk with you about the options available and decide together what will work best for you.
- If you have chronic shoulder pain and answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, you might be ready for a shoulder replacement evaluation:
- Do you have shoulder pain that won’t go away?
- Does your shoulder pain limit your activities or the activities you enjoy the most?
- Does your shoulder pain significantly affect the quality of your life?
- Do you feel like you can no longer tolerate your shoulder pain?
Total Shoulder And Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Your shoulder is made up of three bones: your humerus (upper arm bone), your scapula (shoulder blade) and your clavicle (collarbone). The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint: the ball, or head, of your humerus fits into the shallow socket in your shoulder blade. The socket is called the glenoid.
In a shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with a prosthesis.
Dr. G. Victor Gibson is a leader in joint replacement surgery and has performed over 5,000 procedures.
What Causes Shoulder Pain and Disability?
Several conditions can cause shoulder pain and lead patients to consider a shoulder replacement surgery:
- Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid and Post-Traumatic)
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
- Severe Fractures
- Avascular Necrosis
Every year, thousands of conventional total shoulder replacements are successfully performed in the U.S. for patients suffering from shoulder arthritis.
However, a conventional shoulder replacement is not as beneficial for patients with large rotator cuff tears who have developed a complex type of shoulder arthritis called rotator cuff tear arthropathy. For these patients, a reverse shoulder replacement may be a better option.
A conventional shoulder replacement mimics the normal anatomy of the shoulder and relies on the rotator cuff muscles to function properly. In a reverse shoulder replacement, the socket and the metal ball are switched. The metal ball is fixed to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the humerus. This works better for people with rotator cuff tear arthropathy because it relies on different muscles to move the arm. The reverse shoulder relies on the deltoid muscle, not the rotator cuff, to position and power the arm. It essentially re-creates the function of the torn rotator cuff.
Candidates for Surgery
- Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
- A completely torn rotator cuff that cannot be repaired
- Severe shoulder pain and difficulty lifting your arm away from your side or over your head
- A complex fracture of the shoulder
- A chronic shoulder dislocation
- A previous shoulder replacement that was unsuccessful
There are several reasons why your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a shoulder replacement surgery. People who benefit from surgery often have:
- Severe shoulder pain that interferes with your everyday activities
- Moderate to severe pain while resting
- Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder
- Previous failure of conservative options, such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and/or physical therapy
For More Information On Shoulder Surgery Call Today!
When your shoulder hurts, it’s nothing to ignore. Pain is an indication that something is wrong. Let the team at Lederman Kwartowitz Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine determine if a shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder replacement plan that’s right for you. Call (248) 669-2000 or use our secure online appointment form to schedule your shoulder evaluation today.
