Total Shoulder Replacement: How Modern Techniques Are Changing Lives
Shoulder injuries often result from activities that require frequent and repetitive overhead movements. After enduring years of shoulder pain, Jan Stephens was unsure of her next steps. The issue began with a torn rotator cuff that wasn’t addressed after a hospital visit. Although X-rays were taken during the visit, Jan’s shoulder issue was incorrectly diagnosed as a strained muscle. Eventually, the damage progressed to a point where a total shoulder replacement became the recommended solution for long-term relief and mobility.
When the at-home exercises failed to help, a doctor eventually administered a cortisone shot, which provided Jan with temporary relief. After exploring various treatments, Jan finally opted for a total shoulder replacement to alleviate her chronic pain.
One day, while sewing, Jan described feeling as if lightning shot through her fingers up to her shoulder, causing severe pain. The pain became so intense that she struggled to eat with her right hand and eventually lost the ability to use her arm. She couldn’t do housework, lift anything, or even move her arm at all. After consulting with a doctor, she discovered that she needed a total shoulder replacement.
As someone constantly on the go, it was difficult for her to stop doing the things she enjoyed, like knitting or using the computer. The pain became so intense that she realized she needed to see a doctor.
Jan got a referral from her husband’s former surgeon but left unimpressed. The doctor spent only five minutes with her and didn’t take the time to answer her questions. Before leaving, he casually mentioned that he might see her in a week or maybe in ten years. Jan thought to herself, “Nope! You’ll never see me again.”
Eventually, Jan learned about total shoulder replacement as a potential solution to her severe pain.
Jan received a referral from her husband’s former surgeon but left unimpressed. The doctor spent just five minutes with her and didn’t bother answering her questions. Before leaving, he offhandedly said he might see her in a week or maybe in ten years. Jan thought, “Nope! You’ll never see me again.”
Dr. Soldatis immediately recognized that there was a problem. Jan recalls her first visit to Dr. Soldatis when he asked her how long she had been experiencing shoulder issues. She replied, “a few months.” Dr. Soldatis then discussed the possibility of a total shoulder replacement to address her ongoing pain and limited mobility.
After reviewing the X-ray and MRI results, Dr. Soldatis asked again, “How long have you really been having trouble with your shoulder?” Jan admitted that the issue had actually been ongoing for years. Eventually, Dr. Soldatis recommended a total shoulder replacement to address her persistent shoulder problems.
Dr. Soldatis did what the other doctor didn’t. “He took the time to explain to me that I had a very old injury that the recent incident had worsened,” said Jan. “He was so kind and understanding. He took the time to explain the entire procedure and its expected outcomes.
Is total shoulder replacement a major surgery?
Initially, Jan wasn’t sure if surgery was the right solution. “The thought of a total shoulder replacement just about scared me to death,” said Jan. “I was so uncertain that surgery was the right thing to do initially. But with Dr. Soldatis’ explanations and the confidence he instilled in me, I knew it was the right choice. I am very grateful for his skill.”
Jan underwent a procedure known as a reverse total shoulder replacement. “The mechanics of the shoulder are ‘reversed’ to address issues such as poor rotator cuff function or significant bone deformity caused by arthritis,” explained Dr. Soldatis.
Shoulder replacement is considered a major surgery. “I would describe shoulder replacement as a significant operation because it involves at least a one-night stay in the hospital and replaces a major joint,” said Dr. Soldatis. “However, the procedure is quite common today.”
How long does it take to fully recover?
After a total shoulder replacement, patients can expect to return to normal activities about five months after the operation. “The first six weeks involve protecting the shoulder and gentle movement,” explained Dr. Soldatis. “This is followed by light strengthening exercises up until three months after the surgery.” Patients then continue with progressive strengthening until they achieve full recovery, typically around five months post-surgery.”
Slings are used immediately after surgery to keep the shoulder stable. “The sling is worn for the first six weeks after surgery, though it is taken off daily for gentle motion exercises,” said Dr. Soldatis.
After the total shoulder replacement surgery, Jan’s shoulder pain is a distant memory. “Words can’t express how amazing I feel. Looking back, it’s hard to remember the pain and the difficulty with simple tasks,” said Jan. “Now, I’m back to my normal routine and have about 90% use of my arm.”
The only remaining issue is a bit of difficulty when Jan reaches in a certain way. Through physical therapy, Jan was reassured that this would improve as she builds strength.
“In the future, Jan is thinking about the possibility of playing tennis again due to the success of her procedure. ‘I couldn’t be more pleased with OrthoIndy and Dr. Soldatis,’ said Jan about her treatment.”
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