Total Shoulder Replacement Myths
Posted on December 16, 2022 in Shoulder & Total Shoulder Replacement by Dr. Chris O'Grady
In recent years, advances in medical technology have debunked preconceived notions about total shoulder replacement. Dr. Chris O'Grady, an experienced and skilled Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, compiled 5 common myths about total shoulder replacement below.
1. Shoulder replacements do not provide good results.
False. Shoulder replacements are extremely successful, especially for individuals with osteoarthritis.
2. I am too young to have a shoulder replacement/I am too old to have a joint replacement surgery.
No matter what your age, if you have chronic pain in your shoulder, you may benefit from a total shoulder replacement surgery. As long as you are healthy enough to have surgery, there is no reason to continue living with pain. It is never too soon or too late to seek treatment that could provide you freedom from pain.
3. Following surgery, I will have permanent limitations.
False. With proper therapy, the majority of Dr. O’Grady’s patients achieve a higher level of function than they had before surgery (with less pain). Patients are advised to refrain from frequent heavy lifting in order to minimize the wear and tear on the replacement. Even with this restriction, most patients who desire to return to an active lifestyle do so rather quickly. Most patients return to a pain-free existence and many return to sports like tennis, golf, swimming, bowling, fishing, hunting, kayaking, surfing, etc
4. Only patients who have severe arthritis can have their shoulder replaced.
False. Although total shoulder replacements are done for individuals who have arthritis, this procedure is also used to address fractures, congenital shoulder defects, and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.
5. Shoulder replacement implants are not reliable or a long-lasting solution.
False. Research indicates that the life of a shoulder implant is substantial with 93 percent lasting 10 years and 87 percent lasting 15 years.
Individuals suffering from shoulder pain who reside in the Northwest Florida area should contact Florida Bone & Joint Specialists today. Dr. Christopher O’Grady is an Orthopaedic Surgeon who is dedicated to helping those experiencing shoulder pain. Seeking treatment is critical to ensuring the damage occurring to the shoulder is addressed. Click below to schedule an appointment at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists.
Check out some of our related posts:
Importance of Foot Health
A study in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise noted that the average person takes 5,117 steps per day. With so much time on our feet, Foot Health Awareness Month in April is an opportunity to focus on the health of our feet and give them the attention they deserve.
Read More
Certified Hand Therapy 101
As a subset of occupational therapy, hand therapy plays a significant role in treating and improving patient outcomes related to acute and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are board-certified in occupational therapy with an added qualification in Hand Therapy. Working with a CHT can have several benefits, including:
Read More
Youth Sports Injury Prevention
Youth sports participation promotes physical health and leadership skills and is a positive outlet for children within our communities. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.5 million youth sports injuries occur each year in the U.S. Of those injuries, one in three participants seeks medical attention, resulting in lost sports and school time. Fortunately, the CDC also concluded that more than 50 percent of these injuries are preventable.