Shoulder Replacement Surgery Vs Rotator Cuff Surgery

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, limiting your range of motion and making it hard to perform simple tasks. To relieve your pain and restore your shoulder’s function, you may want to consider surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery can correct this problem and restore proper range of motion.

Anatomic total shoulder replacement

If you are looking for relief from pain in your shoulder, you may be wondering which is better: Rotator cuff surgery or anatomic total shoulder replacement. Both are effective in treating shoulder pain, but there are some major differences between them. Rotator cuff surgery is more invasive and requires the use of surgical instruments. Anatomic total shoulder replacement relies on muscles other than the rotator cuff to provide stability. This type of shoulder replacement is ideal for patients who have severe rotator cuff tears or damaged shoulder surfaces.

Before undergoing surgery, patients must undergo preoperative imaging. This includes standard x-rays of the shoulder as well as a CT scan. In addition, MRIs are often used to confirm the integrity of the rotator cuff. Patients with prior shoulder arthroplasty surgeries may also need laboratory work, a shoulder aspiration, or an arthroscopic or open biopsy. In some cases, a patient may also need to have an EMG/NCV study to assess the integrity of the rotator caff.

Although anatomic total shoulder replacement is more common, it is not the best option for patients with severe shoulder pain. In some cases, hemiarthroplasty is an alternative, especially for patients with active lifestyles who do not have significant bone loss. In these cases, the surgeon will repair the bone through various techniques.

Reverse total shoulder replacement

Reverse total shoulder replacement (RTS) is a surgical option for severe shoulder arthritis and instability. The procedure involves removing the damaged bone and re-placing it with new metal or plastic components. It is performed through a four to five-inch incision in the front of the shoulder.

Reverse total shoulder replacement can be a great choice for patients who are suffering from rotator cuff damage. This procedure reconstructs the shoulder joint and reverses the socket and ball orientation, ensuring optimum placement of the prosthetic joint. However, the socket piece may loosen over time.

After the surgery, patients are generally discharged from the hospital with a plan for continuing rehabilitation. During the first two to four weeks, they will need to go to a physical therapy facility at least twice a week. These visits are an integral part of the recovery process and will help patients improve their range of motion. The rehabilitation process can last between four and six months.

Unlike with traditional surgeries, the benefits of reverse total shoulder replacement surgery are not immediate. The procedure does, however, provide improved range of motion and pain control. Reverse THR is most beneficial for patients with significant rotator cuff issues, such as massive tears or arthritis, and patients who experience significant pain. However, the downside is that patients may experience limited range of motion and a loss of power with movement.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuffed repair is a relatively simple procedure that takes just two hours. It involves making four or five small incisions in the shoulder. During the surgery, the acromion bone, which rubs on the rotator cuff, is removed and the coraco-acromial ligament is trimmed. The tendon is then fixed back to the tuberosity using sutures.

After the surgery, most patients do not need to stay in the hospital. They will spend just an hour or so in the recovery room. A physical therapist will be present during the recovery process to monitor the healing process and reinforce proper exercises. Patients should refrain from heavy lifting for at least four weeks after the procedure.

The vast majority of patients who undergo a rotator cuff repair after shoulder surgery will experience pain relief and some degree of function. However, the effectiveness of the surgery depends on the severity of the tear, the age of the patient, and the size of the tear. It also depends on the patient’s participation in a rehabilitation program and the level of physical therapy. In order to have a full and healthy shoulder, patients must invest time and effort in their recovery.

After a rotator cuff repair, patients should expect a period of restricted activity, including rest and physical therapy. A sling may be required for four to six weeks. During this time, patients may be required to perform simple range-of-motion exercises at home. In addition, patients will require outpatient physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles. After twelve to sixteen weeks, patients can resume limited athletics and activities.