Living with shoulder pain can stop you from enjoying the simple things in life, from reaching for a book on a high shelf to swinging a golf club on a sunny San Francisco day. If you’re struggling with severe shoulder pain and stiffness, you’re not alone. Fortunately, modern medicine offers a solution that can help you get back to the activities you love: shoulder replacement surgery.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of expert surgeons in San Francisco is dedicated to helping patients like you find relief from chronic shoulder pain and regain their mobility. We understand that the thought of surgery can be intimidating, which is why we believe in empowering our patients with clear, easy-to-understand information.
This page will walk you through everything you need to know about shoulder replacement surgery, from why it’s done to what you can expect during your recovery. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your health and to feel confident in your choice to trust California Pacific Orthopaedics with your care.
Overview: What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Your shoulder is a marvel of engineering. It’s a ball-and-socket joint, much like your hip, that allows for a wide range of motion. The “ball” is the top of your upper arm bone (the humerus), and it fits into a shallow “socket” in your shoulder blade (the scapula). A smooth, tough tissue called cartilage covers the surfaces of these bones, allowing them to glide against each other without friction or pain.
Over time, this cartilage can wear down due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions. When the cartilage is gone, the bones rub directly against each other, causing significant pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. This is where shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, comes in.
During the procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replaces them with artificial components, called prosthetics. The new “ball” is typically made of metal, and the “socket” is replaced with a durable plastic liner. This creates a new, smooth surface for the joint, allowing it to move freely and without pain.
There are different types of shoulder replacement surgeries, and your surgeon at California Pacific Orthopaedics will recommend the best option for you based on your specific condition and needs. These include:
- Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty): This is the most common type of shoulder replacement. The surgeon replaces both the ball and the socket of the joint.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): In this procedure, only the ball of the joint is replaced. This may be an option if the socket is still healthy.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: This innovative procedure is often used for patients with a completely torn rotator cuff or severe arthritis. The surgeon reverses the position of the ball and socket, allowing the patient to use different muscles to move their arm.
Our surgeons at California Pacific Orthopaedics, serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area, are pioneers in the latest shoulder replacement techniques, ensuring you receive the most advanced and effective treatment available.
Why is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Done?
The primary reason for shoulder replacement surgery is to relieve chronic pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments. If you’ve tried physical therapy, medications, and injections without success, shoulder replacement may be the next step to help you get your life back.
Here are some of the most common reasons why our San Francisco patients undergo shoulder replacement surgery:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis that becomes more common with age. The cartilage in the shoulder joint gradually breaks down, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage to the cartilage.
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: A long-term, massive tear of the rotator cuff tendons can lead to a specific type of arthritis in the shoulder. A reverse total shoulder replacement is often the best solution for this condition.
- Severe Fractures: A badly broken shoulder bone, particularly the head of the humerus, may be best treated with a shoulder replacement, especially in older patients.
- Avascular Necrosis: This condition occurs when the blood supply to the head of the humerus is disrupted, causing the bone to collapse and the cartilage to be damaged.
- Failed Previous Surgery: If you’ve had a previous shoulder surgery that was not successful in relieving your pain, a shoulder replacement may be a viable option.
If you’re experiencing any of these conditions and are looking for a “shoulder specialist near me” in the San Francisco area, the experts at California Pacific Orthopaedics can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss whether shoulder replacement is right for you.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After the Procedure
Making the decision to have surgery is a big one, and it’s natural to have questions. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at each stage of the process when you choose California Pacific Orthopaedics for your shoulder replacement.
Before the Procedure
Your journey to a pain-free shoulder begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our orthopaedic surgeons. During this visit, your doctor will:
- Review your medical history and conduct a physical examination.
- Order X-rays and possibly an MRI or CT scan to get a detailed look at your shoulder joint.
- Discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have.
Once you and your surgeon have decided that shoulder replacement is the right choice, you’ll be scheduled for surgery. In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you may be asked to:
- See your primary care doctor for a pre-operative physical to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
- Stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.
- Arrange for help at home during your recovery.
- Perform some gentle “pre-hab” exercises to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.
During the Procedure
Shoulder replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep for the entire procedure. The surgery itself usually takes about two hours.
Here’s a general overview of what happens in the operating room:
- Your surgeon will make an incision on the front of your shoulder to access the joint.
- The damaged head of the humerus is removed and replaced with a metal ball attached to a stem that is inserted into the arm bone.
- The damaged cartilage on the socket is smoothed out, and a plastic liner is cemented in place.
- The surgeon will ensure that the new joint is functioning properly and then close the incision with stitches or staples.
Our surgical team at California Pacific Orthopaedics is committed to your safety and comfort. We use the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery.
After the Procedure
Your recovery from shoulder replacement surgery is a gradual process, but with patience and dedication, you can expect to see significant improvements in your pain and function.
- In the Hospital: Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights after surgery. Our team will manage your pain and get you started with gentle physical therapy. Your arm will be in a sling to protect the new joint.
- At Home: You’ll need to wear your sling for several weeks to allow your shoulder to heal. It’s important to have help with daily activities during this time. You’ll continue with your physical therapy exercises to regain your range of motion and strength.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is a crucial part of your recovery. You’ll work with a therapist to gradually increase your activity level and learn how to safely use your new shoulder. It can take several months to a year to fully recover from shoulder replacement surgery.
The goal of our team at California Pacific Orthopaedics is to not only provide you with a successful surgery but also to support you throughout your entire recovery journey. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from your first consultation to your final follow-up appointment.
Take the Next Step Towards a Pain-Free Life
If you’re tired of living with shoulder pain, it’s time to explore your options. A shoulder replacement at California Pacific Orthopaedics could be the key to unlocking a more active and enjoyable life.
Our team of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons in San Francisco, CA, has the expertise and experience to help you achieve lasting relief from shoulder pain. We are dedicated to providing personalized, patient-centered care and helping you get back to doing the things you love.
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back any longer. Contact California Pacific Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation and find out if shoulder replacement surgery is right for you.
