Shoulder Replacement
Although used less commonly than knee or hip replacement, shoulder replacement surgery removes diseased or damaged bone in the shoulder and replaces it with an artificial joint. If arthritis pain is unrelieved by other methods, you may need replacement surgery.
Your doctor can help you decide if shoulder replacement surgery is right for you. It may be the best choice if you have severe pain or trouble doing daily activities, such as brushing your hair.
Talk with your doctor about your concerns. Below are some questions to help with the conversation.
- Am I a good candidate for shoulder replacement surgery?
- What type of surgery do you recommend?
- What are the benefits and risks?
- What can I expect after surgery? What kinds of activities will I be able to do?
- How long will I have to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
- Will I need physical therapy?
- What will I need to do to prepare my home for my recovery?