Shoulder Replacement

In shoulder replacement surgery, doctors replace the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula) or cap them with artificial surfaces lined with plastic or metal and plastic. Shoulder joint components may be held in place with cement. Or they may be made with material that allows new bone to grow into the joint component over time to hold it in place without cement.

The decision to have shoulder replacement surgery should be a cooperative one between you, your family and Dr. Woodworth.

Symptoms

There are several reasons why Dr. Woodworth may recommend shoulder replacement surgery. People who benefit from surgery often have:

• Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities, such as reaching into a cabinet, dressing, toileting, and washing
• Moderate to severe pain while resting. This pain may be severe enough to prevent a good night’s sleep
• Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder
• Failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or physical therapy

Treatment

In shoulder replacement surgery, Dr. Woodworth replaces the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula) or cap them with artificial surfaces lined with plastic or metal and plastic. Shoulder joint components may be held in place with cement. Or they may be made with material that allows new bone to grow into the joint component over time to hold it in place without cement.

The top end of your upper arm bone is shaped like a ball. Muscles and ligaments hold this ball against a cup-shaped part of the shoulder bone. Surgeons usually replace the top of the upper arm bone with a long metal piece, inserted into your upper arm bone, that has a rounded head. If the cup-shaped surface of your shoulder bone that cradles your upper arm bone is also damaged, doctors smooth it and then cap it with a plastic or metal and plastic piece.

Shoulder Replacement with Dr. Woodworth makes diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from surgery easier and faster than was once thought possible. If you think you may be a candidate for a shoulder replacement, or if you have shoulder pain that you would like diagnosed, call Dr. Woodworth today at (702) 545-6194.