Shoulder Resection Arthroplasty - Orthopedic/Knee Surgery

Shoulder resection arthroplasty is a surgical procedure performed for those individuals suffering from shoulder joint pain and or a limited range of motion. This limitation generally causes a person to experience difficulty with activities of daily living and difficulty with the simplest of tasks. Resection is a procedure in which the two ends of a joint are resurfaced or replaced to restore a joint to full function. The most common reason for this type of surgery is osteoarthritis, which causes joint destruction and pain, and a limitation of shoulder and arm movement.

The main goal of shoulder resection arthroplasty is to restore function to the shoulder joint and to relieve pain. Most resection surgeries eventually limit the overall range of motion in the shoulder over time, however there is a significant decrease of pain overall, making this procedure a viable option for those in middle age.

Two common methods for shoulder resection are employed by most orthopedic surgeons.

Joint resection procedures involve making an incision in the shoulder. The surgeon then removes the least amount of damaged bone possible. Removing part of the bone from the damaged joint allows more space between the bone and the socket, creating more range of motion. The goal with this procedure is to leave as much bone as possible to maintain strength and integrity of the shoulder joint. Ligament and tendon attachments are not disturbed as much as possible to also increase the strength of the joint and diminish recovery time and allow the optimum of movement of the joint.

In the interpositional reconstruction method, an incision is made in the shoulder to expose the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the head of this bone is removed, along with any bone growths or damaged structures surrounding the joint. Both bone ends are then reshaped to accommodate a prosthesis. Small holes are then drilled in the shoulder joint itself and a prosthesis made of metal, plastic or ceramic is replaced in the joint. If this fails to relieve symptoms, total joint replacement may be needed.

Both surgeries require a short hospitalization but a longer recovery period. Physical therapy is required to restore and strengthen the shoulder joint and offer the individual with as much function and mobility as possible. Recovery can last from six months to a year depending on the amount of damage that occurred to the joint and other contributing factors experienced by individual cases.

As with any surgical procedure, the cost is dependent on types of procedures done and the location of the surgery. Shoulder arthroscopy may cost up to $20,000 in the U.S., but visitors to India may pay 1/5th of that amount, while travelers to other locations such as Thailand or Brazil may enjoy savings of up to 80%.

Finding the right surgeon to perform the procedure is a very important process. Be sure to research the surgeon’s history, and ask to see examples of their work. No matter where the surgery is done, medical facilities should be up to date and well maintained.

Surgeons both domestically and abroad should be certified and board-approved in their country of origin as well as belong to organizations or associations of orthopedic surgeons and provide services in approved facilities.

All surgeons should also have completed their requirements in order to receive their certificate, and have spent their allotted years in performing surgery. Their education also plays a part in choosing the best surgeon, aside from experience. Make sure they have a strong code of ethics and that patient needs are taken care of and questions are answered completely.