Our team can help you get back to the life you want to live. To learn more, call
208-883-2234
.
You have enough to deal with in life without add-
ing shoulder pain to the mix. Fortunately, shoul-
ders damaged by arthritis, a severe fracture or
other problems can often be xed.
Although shoulder replacement surgery is
less common than surgery to replace hips and
knees, it can relieve pain just as successfully,
according to the American Academy of Ortho-
paedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Surgery often involves completely
replacing the joint. In this operation, a stem
with a metal ball on top is inserted into the
bone of your upper arm. The ball ts into a
plastic socket that’s placed in your shoulder
blade.
Sometimes, though—depending on the
At GritmanMedical Center, we use a teamapproach for joint replacement
surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons; nurses; physical therapists; registered dieti-
tians; and lab, radiology, pharmacy and social services experts work
together to help you regain your mobility.
If you and your doctor have decided that total joint replacement
surgery is right for you, ask us about our guide to preparing for
surgery and recovery. Working together, we will provide you with
comprehensive and personal care throughout your entire surgical
process, from preparations to recovery and as you continue your
rehabilitation at home.
condition of the shoulder—surgery may involve
replacing only the ball portion of the joint.
After surgery, your armmay be in a sling for
several weeks, and you’ll start physical therapy
soon after the operation. You’ll have some
activity restrictions at rst, but in the long term
you’re likely to enjoy improved motion and better
shoulder function.
The AAOS reports that shoulder replacement
may be considered if you have:
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Severe shoulder pain that interferes with
activities.
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Moderate to severe pain while resting. It may
hinder sleep.
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Loss of motion or weakness in the shoulder.
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Limited improvement with other
treatments.
Ask your doctor whether shoulder replace-
ment surgery is right for you.
Stop shouldering the pain
It’s a joint effort
kneecap are
removed and
replaced with
metal and plastic
surfaces.
A hip replacement
involves removing the
damaged ball on the
upper thighbone and
replacing it with a metal
or ceramic ball. e
damaged socket is then
replaced with a plastic,
ceramic or metal socket that
is implanted into your pelvis.
e length of the surgery
depends on how badly your
joint is damaged. A hip or knee
replacement generally takes up
to two hours. A er surgery, you
usually spend another one to two
hours in a recovery room. With
hip or knee surgery, you typically
spend three to ve days in the
hospital before going home.
Road to recovery
Most people who have joint
replacement surgery experience a
dramatic decrease in pain in that joint
and a signi cant increase in their ability
to perform daily activities. But it takes
time to recover from the procedure, and
it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice,
according to the NIH.
Shortly a er surgery, you will probably be
encouraged to try out your new joint. With hip
and knee replacements, you will need a walker
or crutches at rst.
You may have some temporary pain in the new
For information
on our surgical
services, call
208-883-2234.
joint because the surrounding muscles have
weakened from disuse. e pain can be
helped with medication and should last only
a few weeks or months. Over time and with
proper exercise, the pain will lessen, exibility
will increase and movement will improve.
at’s why exercise is an important part
of the recovery process. Physical therapy
can usually begin the day a er surgery.
Your doctor can recommend an exercise
program that is best for your new joint.
Be careful not to overdo it a er surgery,
however. Less vigorous activities, such as
walking and golf, may be permitted, but
more strenuous sports, such as tennis or
running, may be discouraged.
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