Total shoulder replacement surgery is often an appropriate treatment for patients with painful arm and shoulder movement that prevents them from comfortably performing daily activities and sleeping well at night. A Reading, PA orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder surgery, such as Dr. Stephen R. Soffer, can best evaluate your condition and determine if it’s right for you.
Dr. Soffer, in Wyomissing, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who has been included in U.S. News & World Report’s Top Doctor listing for the last five years in recognition of his orthopedic expertise. He specializes in the treatment of many sports-related injuries, the open and arthroscopic treatment of knee, shoulder and elbow injuries, and artificial joint replacement for arthritis of the knee, shoulder and hip.
About Shoulder Disorders
Most shoulder problems are the result of overuse or traumatic injury. Shoulder injuries often occur in athletes who play contact sports, such as football or hockey. Frequent lifting and repetitive shoulder movements are also responsible for shoulder wear and tear. And arthritis and other inflammatory diseases may also develop in the shoulder over time.
Although it is less common than knee or hip replacement, total shoulder joint replacement is equally safe and effective for relieving pain and restoring comfort and mobility. The surgery can be a good treatment option for people who have suffered from shoulder fractures, different forms of arthritis, or shoulder weakness.
Shoulder Joint Replacement
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball, or head, of the upper arm bone fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade, called the glenoid. Where the bones touch, there is cartilage that protects the bones and a synovial membrane that lubricates the cartilage to keep the shoulder moving easily. In fact, a healthy shoulder has a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body.
In shoulder replacement surgery, the ball and/or socket of the joint are replaced with artificial components. Depending on your condition, your surgeon may perform a total shoulder replacement in which both the ball and socket are replaced or a partial shoulder replacement where only the ball is replaced.
People who benefit from shoulder replacement surgery often have:
— Severe shoulder pain that interferes with normal daily activities.
— Pain that is severe enough to prevent a good night’s sleep.
— Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder.
— Failure to improve after other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.
Because shoulder replacement is a complex surgery, it is best performed by an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder surgery, such as Dr. Soffer. During residency training, most surgeons perform many knee and hip replacements, but never see a shoulder replacement in order to gain experience.
Fellowship trained under the direction of world famous orthopedic surgeon Dr. James R. Andrews, who is internationally known and recognized for his skills as an orthopedic surgeon and his scientific and clinical research contributions in knee, shoulder and elbow injury prevention and treatment, Dr. Soffer has published articles about shoulder disorders and made academic presentations at medical conferences around the world on the topic.
Dr. Soffer has vast experience in total shoulder replacement surgery and can evaluate your particular situation to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure. To reach us in the Reading, PA area, call 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment.
