Living with shoulder pain can be debilitating, but surgical advancements can restore your mobility and reduce your joint pain. A common surgical solution for shoulder pain from osteoarthritis or other degenerative diseases is shoulder replacement surgery at our Toronto, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta private clinics.
At Surgical Solutions Network, we know that undergoing surgery can be overwhelming. You’re likely excited about healing and returning to your active, pain-free lifestyle. But you’re also nervous about the surgical process. To help you prepare for your surgery, keep reading to learn five things you should know before your shoulder replacement surgery.
What is shoulder replacement surgery, and how will it help me?
Shoulder replacement surgery can help patients who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or other chronic degenerative issues in the shoulder. These issues are often the result of fracture or overuse. Shoulder replacement surgery will improve your range of motion and function, and dramatically reduce shoulder pain.
Read More: What Is Osteoarthritis and Will I Need Joint Replacement Surgery?
What happens at the surgical consultation?
You will need an MRI of your affected shoulder, which can be arranged by your family physician. You may wish to prepare a list of questions prior to your consultation, so you know what you’d like to ask the surgeon during your surgical consultation. During the consultation, your surgeon will ask you some questions about your health and make some suggestions to ensure you have the best surgical outcome, such as losing weight to relieve pressure on the joint and quitting smoking. Smoking can significantly affect the healing process after surgery and dangerously increase surgical risks. If you smoke, be sure to tell your surgeon.
Read More: How Does Diet Affect My Joint Health?
How do I qualify for a shoulder replacement surgery?
All Surgical Solutions Network patients are required to complete a Pre-Surgical Patient Questionnaire to provide our team with your basic medical history. Our team will also need your most recent MRI images to give your surgeon before your consultation. If your diagnostics and medical history confirm that you’re a suitable candidate for a shoulder replacement surgery, our team will request a completed history and physical form, bloodwork, and ECG via your family doctor.
How do they do shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder pain is often caused by the degeneration of the cartilage on the end of the bones, resulting in the bones rubbing against each other. Shoulder replacement surgery removes damaged portions of the shoulder and replaces the bony surfaces with prosthetic implants.
Total vs. Partial Shoulder Replacement
Depending on the damage to the shoulder and the joint, your surgeon will consider a total or partial shoulder replacement surgery. In a partial shoulder replacement, only one side (the diseased portion) of the joint is replaced, leaving the healthy portion intact. A partial shoulder replacement will relieve pain and preserve more of your natural shoulder. It may delay, and sometimes prevent, the need for total shoulder replacement.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
If your rotator cuff has degenerated to the extent that it would not support a traditional joint replacement, your surgeon may recommend a “reverse” total shoulder replacement surgery. This procedure reverses the ball and socket configuration of the shoulder, allowing other muscles to compensate for the damaged rotator cuff. A reverse total shoulder replacement will still result in increased stability, strength, and range of motion in the shoulder joint.
What is the recovery process like after shoulder replacement surgery?
You’ll be provided with post-op instructions for each phase of your recovery. You’ll begin physical therapy the day after your surgery, which will focus on slow, specific movement of the fingers, wrist, and elbow. Formal physiotherapy will begin within two weeks post-op.
Read More: 5 Ways to Care For Your Joints
Alleviate Your Joint or Shoulder Pain With Private Surgery in Canada at Surgical Solutions Network
Shoulder pain can dramatically reduce your mobility, resulting in time off work, limited ability to do the things you love, and overall reduced quality of life. Shoulder replacement surgery may be the option you need to reduce your pain and restore your mobility, but long wait times for surgery can mean you’ll be in pain for longer than you expected. The good news is that you don’t need to live with the pain while waiting for shoulder replacement surgery in Canada. You can undergo the joint surgery you need faster with Surgical Solutions Network. Shoulder replacement surgery is offered to Canadians across the country at our private clinic in Toronto.
Surgical Solutions Network offers Canadians access to high-quality private healthcare at our private, licensed surgical centres across Canada. We partner with a team of fellowship-trained surgeons and registered nurses at our centres to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Explore our range of surgical procedures for your healthcare needs, and contact us today to arrange a consultation.