Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder Surgery Cleveland is commonly performed to correct a tear in the rotator cuff, or group of muscles and tendons that hold the arm in place and move the shoulder in different directions. Overuse or injury can cause a tear in one of these tendons, resulting in pain and instability. Various treatments are available to treat rotator cuff tears, including surgery to remove excess bone growth or repair tears. Patients may choose a general anesthesia or regional anesthesia for the procedure. Depending on what is wrong with their shoulder, the surgeon may perform a local anesthesia or a regional anesthetic, which numbs the arm and shoulder area and makes them sleepy.
Shoulder surgery recovery is not immediate, but it may take weeks to recover fully. After the procedure, patients will be asked to wear a sling for the first few weeks. A sling will help reduce swelling and pain, but patients should limit overhead activities during this time. Shoulder pain will continue for weeks or even months, and physical therapy will help patients regain full motion of the shoulder. However, a physical therapist may supervise the rehabilitation process.
Before shoulder surgery, the surgeon will perform a thorough physical examination and discuss your medical history. He may order X-rays and take a sample of your tissue. Once he has completed his physical exam, Dr. Rieber will develop a personalized care plan. You can schedule an appointment with the doctor by calling or requesting one online. A shoulder surgery consultation can be scheduled by phone or online. The surgeon will perform an initial evaluation and determine if shoulder replacement surgery is right for you.
Shoulder surgery is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia. The patient is usually placed in a semi-sitting position or lying on his side. The surgeon will make a small incision and insert a camera known as an arthroscope. This tiny camera will help the surgeon see the damaged structures. During surgery, images from the arthroscope will be projected onto a video screen. The patient will be given an injection of sterile solution to keep the shoulder inflated during the procedure.
Shoulder replacement surgery is often accompanied by physical therapy. Although shoulder replacement surgery may relieve pain, it may not restore complete function. A shoulder replacement may not restore the entire humerus, scapula, or glenoid bone. The replacement components may become loose over time or with excessive use. In such cases, a revision surgery may be necessary. If you are having any of these complications, your surgeon will recommend a physical therapist.
Immobilization after surgery will be necessary for four to six weeks. This immobilization will limit your ability to do everyday tasks, but it is vital for healing. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions and rehabilitation exercises to help you get back to normal activities after shoulder reconstruction. Once you have had shoulder reconstruction surgery, you should expect pain, swelling, and restricted movement for the first six weeks. Once you are mobile again, your pain may be gone.
A regional nerve block is an alternative to general anesthesia for some patients. Nerve blocks are injected into the base of the neck or high on the shoulder, where the nerves come out. Regional anesthesia numbs the arm and shoulder for hours after the surgery. In addition to providing better pain relief, nerve blocks also reduce the overall anesthetic. This technique is often combined with a light general anesthesia. It is also helpful for patients with back problems, as it helps the surgeon avoid the use of opioids in their shoulder.
In general, the results of shoulder surgery depend on the severity of the problem and the surgeon's expertise. A sports medicine physician is able to correct small tears in the rotator cuff, while an open approach requires larger incisions. With experience, an arthroscopic surgeon can repair large rotator cuff tears and restore normal function. The procedure is not pain-free, and a strict postoperative regimen is required to ensure that the patient recovers from the procedure as quickly as possible.
Another type of shoulder surgery is total shoulder replacement, which involves replacing the entire joint. The procedure removes the damaged joint and implants a prosthetic - often made of plastic or ceramic. The prosthetic resurfaces the joint and allows for normal movement. It's also beneficial for those with a torn rotator cuff. While both procedures may be required, they both have many benefits. Shoulder surgery is a necessary treatment for a variety of conditions, and if it has not responded to other treatments, it may require surgery.