If you are experiencing unrelenting shoulder pain due to severe arthritis, schedule a consultation appointment with our experts at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. We have many different techniques and procedures to help you alleviate your discomfort.
Stemless shoulder arthroplasty, also known as stemless total shoulder arthroplasty or stemless shoulder replacement, is a minimally invasive, bone-preserving version of total shoulder arthroplasty. It is used to replace an injured shoulder.
It is called stemless shoulder arthroplasty because, unlike traditional shoulder arthroplasty, this procedure does not use a stem implant. Instead, this procedure is specifically designed to secure the implant (artificial prosthetic joint) to the upper arm bone (humeral head) with a minimal loss of bone structure.
Stemless shoulder arthroplasty is performed to treat severe arthritis in the shoulder joint when all conservative treatments have not been able to eliminate your pain.
This surgical procedure can provide a great deal of shoulder joint pain relief and improved mobility. It may also be an option if you have less bone damage or deterioration.
You may make a good candidate if you have a severe shoulder injury, such as a complete rotator cuff tear or degenerative shoulder arthritis. The benefits may include the following:
A stemless shoulder arthroplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and you should not feel any pain. Stemless shoulder arthroplasty usually follows this process:
Prior to the procedure, you will meet with your doctor to discuss any medical conditions you may have and all medications, including supplements and herbs, that you are taking. You may need to stop certain medications before the surgery.
In addition, tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be performed to help determine if this is the best treatment option for you.
Some complications associated with stemless shoulder joint replacements include:
Immediately after the surgery, you may feel some pain and experience swelling in the area. You may need to take medication for relief and participate in physical therapy. Recovery time usually varies from person to person. However, most people are able to return to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks.
Additionally, after your procedure, you will be unable to perform many of your daily activities, including driving, cooking, etc. Make sure you arrange for someone to assist you with these activities in advance.
A shoulder replacement is a very effective procedure for treating severe arthritis in the shoulder and can provide long-term pain relief and improved mobility.
Schedule an appointment at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow in Atlanta or Marietta, GA to see whether stemless replacement may be right for you. With careful preparation and a skilled surgeon, you can look forward to an improved quality of life with this procedure!
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