Shoulder Surgery

What is shoulder surgery?

Shoulder surgery is an intensive treatment for severe shoulder injuries or degenerative conditions. At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ashford performs total shoulder arthroplasty to replace the ball and socket joint within your shoulder if it no longer functions normally. 

Usually, Dr. Ashford only recommends shoulder surgery when more conservative treatment options have not provided relief. He removes your original joint during the surgery and replaces it with a prosthesis having a similar structure to your shoulder joint. 

Depending on the extent of your shoulder injury, Dr. Ashford might replace only the head of the humerus, which acts as the ball in the ball-and-socket mechanism, or both parts. He details his approach to your surgery to you during the planning stage, so you know what to expect. 

What can shoulder surgery treat?

Total shoulder arthroplasty may be necessary to replace your shoulder joint if you have extensive damage from a degenerative condition affecting the joint or a particularly severe injury. A few diseases and injuries treatable with shoulder surgery are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Severe bone fractures (often associated with osteoporosis)
• Osteonecrosis (bone cell death)
• A large rotator cuff tear
• A failed previous shoulder surgery

Shoulder surgery is rarely the first approach to treatment. If conservative measures like joint injections or minimally invasive surgery can’t relieve your pain or immobility, Dr. Ashford might consider shoulder surgery as the next step of your treatment. Shoulder surgery can help you regain mobility and relieve pain or discomfort. 

What should I expect during the recovery process after shoulder surgery?

The recovery after total shoulder arthroplasty involves intensive rehabilitation. Dr. Ashford works with you closely throughout the entire process and remains accessible to you, so you don’t feel lost or alone. He takes the time to educate you about both the surgery and the lengthy healing period.

With Dr. Ashford’s close guidance, your recovery after shoulder surgery might involve:

• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Pain relief medications
• Physical therapy
• Gentle home exercises
• Wound care

As you recover from total shoulder arthroplasty, you should avoid driving for some time and be careful not to overexert your shoulder joint. Dr. Ashford gives you additional instructions to follow throughout the recovery according to your occupation and lifestyle.

To find out more about shoulder surgery, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, or book an appointment online today.

We offer services such as shoulder replacement, shoulder surgery, and shoulder arthroscopy. Call us to book your appointment today.