Your shoulder plays an important role in lifting, reaching, dressing, driving, and many other daily activities. When a previous shoulder replacement continues to cause pain, stiffness, weakness, instability, or limited movement, additional evaluation may be necessary.
With more than 20 years of orthopedic experience, Dr. Brian Cohen provides revision shoulder replacement in Columbus, OH. Revision surgery may be considered when an implant has loosened, worn down, shifted out of position, become infected, or otherwise failed to provide the expected function.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can have many causes. If you are suffering from shoulder pain, you may have suffered a trauma or disease that is causing your condition. Some common causes of shoulder pain include:
-
Osteoarthritis
-
Rheumatoid arthritis
-
Post-traumatic arthritis
-
Sports injury
-
Trauma
-
Car accidents
-
Repetitive use
-
-
-
Failed shoulder surgery
Shoulder Pain Surgery Options
When you are suffering from shoulder pain, you and Dr. Cohen may decide that surgery is the best option to help relieve your pain. Your surgical options may include the following:
-
Shoulder fracture repair (opens in new tab) to repair a broken shoulder. During surgery, surgical hardware is used to reattach the bones to their original position. In severe instances where a bone is shattered or beyond repair, an artificial joint may be used.
-
Anatomic total shoulder replacement (opens in new tab). This technique is used in individuals with an intact rotator cuff. An artificial ball replaces the head of the upper arm bone and an artificial socket replaces the socket of the shoulder blade.
-
Reverse total shoulder replacement. This technique utilizes an artificial ball and socket to replace the original joint. Here, the ball and socket are put in reverse positions. The artificial ball replaces the socket of the shoulder blade (the glenoid), and the artificial socket replaces the head of the upper arm bone.
When is Revision Shoulder Replacement Surgery Needed?
Not all shoulder surgery brings about pain relief. In some instances, a shoulder surgery can fail or have undesirable consequences. Undesirable consequences may include stiffness, instability, joint failure, persistent pain, infection, looseness, and malposition. In other instances, a surgical implant may simply wear out.
In these instances, the patient and Dr. Cohen will work together to determine the next course of action. Joint replacement failure can have many causes, and some can be managed without surgery.
If you have serious issues with your shoulder implant, then you may need revision shoulder replacement surgery. Serious issues can include the following:
-
Failed fracture repairs
-
Failed anatomic total shoulder replacements
-
Failed reverse total shoulder replacement
-
Shoulder infections
Revision shoulder surgery can help resolve many complications. Depending on your issue(s), it may involve the following:
-
Scar tissue removal
-
Repair of muscles, tendons and ligaments
-
Release of stiff muscles, tendons and ligaments
-
-
Infection treatment
-
Replacement or alteration of components
Recovery timelines vary depending on the patient’s overall health, the condition being treated, and adherence to the rehabilitation program.
Revision Shoulder Surgery Preparation
Prior to your revision shoulder surgery, Dr. Cohen will provide you with a set of complete instructions to prepare for the procedure. He will review your medications and advise you as to whether you need to discontinue or adjust your dosages. Dr. Cohen will also give you information about the day of surgery and what to expect, so you can make the necessary preparations. Plan to make arrangements with a family member or friend who can drive you home from surgery and stay with you overnight.
Revision shoulder surgery requires anesthesia. Dr. Cohen can discuss your options with you and help you pick the best option for your case.
Revision Shoulder Replacement Surgery Details
Your revision shoulder surgery will be performed in an operating room. The chosen method of anesthesia will be administered to help you remain comfortable and pain-free during surgery.
A revision shoulder surgery can be done as an anatomic shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement. However, in many cases, revision surgery is done using a reverse total replacement technique to maximize shoulder function.
Revision Shoulder Surgery Risks
Revision shoulder surgery is more complicated than normal joint replacement surgery and carries additional risks. If you are considering revision shoulder surgery, it is important to discuss your shoulder surgery issues with an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Cohen. He will talk to you about your issues and perform a physical exam and diagnostic testing. If revision shoulder surgery is determined to be the best option, you will need an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in revision shoulder surgery, such as Dr. Cohen.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Revision Shoulder Replacement in Columbus, OH
Problems with a shoulder implant can cause persistent pain, stiffness, instability, weakness, or loss of function. Dr. Cohen evaluates the implant, surrounding bone and soft tissue, and the cause of the symptoms before determining whether revision surgery or another treatment may be appropriate.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
