Why Your Shoulder Hurts
Your shoulder, like your hip, is a ball and socket joint. The ball of the joint—the humeral head—is the top portion of your arm. The socket, known as the glenoid, is part of the shoulder blade.
Throughout most people’s life, the ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) work beautifully together. But as we age, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or a severe injury can seriously cause loss of the cartilage of the shoulder joint causing pain and limited function.
If you experience continual pain that no longer responds to conventional treatment like physical therapy or cortisone shots, then it might be time to contact the shoulder specialists at the Kennedy Center.
What is a Total Shoulder Replacement?
During total shoulder replacement surgery, the humeral ball is replaced with a metal ball that has similar contours to your own natural one. The socket (glenoid) will be cleaned of all arthritis and a plastic liner will be inserted. These implants are sized to your own joint and will mimic the natural motion of your shoulder for years to come.
Having a total shoulder replacement is a serious decision, one that must be made in thorough consultation with your orthopedic surgeon.
Patients who choose a surgeon with a specialty in shoulder repair report that, after rehabilitation, their pain level is significantly reduced and experience enhanced arm function.