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Shoulder Replacement Specialist

Western Orthopaedics, P.C. Our Services Shoulder Replacement

Western Orthopaedics, P.C.

Orthopedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Denver, CO & Arvada, CO

Your shoulders are amazingly flexible and have an extensive range of movement, but they can also be vulnerable to injury and wear and tear. If your current treatment program for shoulder problems isn’t working anymore, you should visit Western Orthopaedics, P.C., in Denver and Arvada, Colorado, for a thorough assessment to see if a shoulder replacement would be a good option. There, you benefit from extensive experience in carrying out total, partial, and reverse shoulder replacement surgery when needed, so call Western Orthopaedics, P.C., today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online.

Shoulder Replacement Q & A

Why would I need a shoulder replacement?

You might need a shoulder replacement if you have shoulder pain or problems with the joint for which there’s no other suitable treatment.

In most cases, shoulder pain is the result of one of four main causes:

  • Inflammation
  • Instability
  • Arthritis
  • Fracture

Your shoulder joint is the most versatile, flexible joint in your body. However, the extended range of motion your shoulder is capable of can sometimes lead to joint discomfort or pain.

Symptoms of shoulder conditions include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Popping sensation
  • Grinding feeling
  • Limited mobility
  • Problems reaching overhead
  • Difficulty sleeping

Initial treatments for shoulder problems include conservative measures such as physical therapy, medication, joint injections, and regenerative medicine techniques. However, if these treatments aren’t proving effective, or the damage to your shoulder joint is too extensive, you might need a shoulder replacement.

What conditions might lead to shoulder replacement?

The condition that’s most likely to lead to the need for shoulder replacement is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). This is a wear and tear disorder that typically affects people over 50, although it can develop at any age.

Everyday use of the joint leads to a gradual wearing away of the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones. The bones then start rubbing and irritating each other, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is incurable, and conservative treatments may only be useful for so long before the joint deteriorates too much.

Other conditions that could lead to the need for a shoulder replacement include:

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

If you’ve been having treatment for a shoulder problem but you’re not feeling the benefits, Western Orthopaedics, P.C., has surgeons with specialized skills in performing shoulder replacement surgery.

How is shoulder replacement carried out?

To carry out your shoulder replacement, your surgeon at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., needs to remove the damaged sections of the joint and replace them with a prosthesis composed of artificial joint components. The parts that your surgeon can replace are the head of the humerus, which forms a ball shape, and the socket (glenoid) in your shoulder blade.

If the whole of your shoulder joint is too damaged to save, your surgeon replaces the entire joint (total joint replacement). Some patients have bones that aren’t as badly affected, so only one component needs replacing (hemiarthroplasty). If you have a severely torn rotator cuff, you might need a reverse total shoulder replacement.

Your provider at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., can advise you which shoulder replacement option is best for your situation. Call today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online.