Shoulder pain can make the most basic tasks, such as dressing, bag carrying, and hand straightening, become strenuous. The shoulder can usually be treated with a physiotherapist, rest and medication, but in some cases surgery may be needed to permanently free the individual from pain and restore function. Be it through injury, overuse, or degeneration, one will find shoulder surgery to be the best answer while seeking an active lifestyle without pain.

Knowing the Shoulder Joint

A shoulder joint comprises of a wide range of moves that can be performed and is considered one of the most mobile joints in the human body. It consists of the following parts:

• Upper arm bone (humerus)
• shoulder blade (scapula)
• Collar bone (clavicle)
• Rotator cuff muscles and tendons.

Due to the high range of mobility in the human body, the shoulder can get injured more easily than other joints, and also go through stability as well as degenerative issues.

When Is It Necessary To Operate On The Shoulder?

There are several shoulder problems that don’t require surgical intervention. However, the intervention of an orthopaedic surgeon becomes necessary in the following cases:

• Symptoms persist after conservative management, which may include rest, physical therapy, and medication. 
• The patient has a rotator cuff tear, dislocation, and/or labral injury.
• Symptom: stable weakness or reduction in movement.
• Arthritis inthe  shoulders is not allowing the patient to perform activities of daily living.
• Patient with a fracture or trauma with improper healing.

At this point, surgery is required because the joint is causing structural damage and the pain is restricting movement and severely diminishing quality of life.

Operative Procedures For Shoulder Surgery

Your needs will differ depending on the root cause of your ailment and the level of severity. 

1. Shoulder Arthroscopy   

Arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery wherein a camera and small instruments are used to diagnose and treat conditions within a joint. It can be performed for:  

• Rotator Cuff
• Labral tears
• Bone spurs
• Inflammation
• Loose fragments   

Benefits of arthroscopy include enhanced speed of recovery and reduced scars as opposed to open surgery.  

2. Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)   

This surgery is done when there is severe damage to the joints or arthritis. It devised by replacing the worn down parts of the shoulder with artificial parts. There are three types:  

• Total shoulder replacement
• Partial shoulder replacement
• Reverse shoulder replacement (when rotator cuff is badly damaged, this is the ideal choice) 

3. SLAP Tear Repair  

Refers to a type of tear in the shoulder socket’s cartilage. Occurs mostly in athletes with repetitive shoulder movement. Supperior Labrum Anterior to Posterior.  

4. Bankart Repair  

This procedure repairs the shoulder joint for patients that suffer from frequent shoulder dislocations after undergoing the shoulder. The labrum that is torn is reattached back to the joint in order to secure the shoulder.  

Preparing for Shoulder Surgery 

A surgery and the recovery entails proper planning. Below are a few important pointers: Clinical Evaluation involves imaging tests using MRI, ultrasound, or X Rays.

• Medical Check-up: Certain medical blood work or an ECG may be completed prior to surgery.
• Home Requirements: Ensure that your home is ready to ensure safey, comfort, and ease of movement post-recovery.
• Course of Actions Guidelines: You may be instructed to fast, cancel specific prescriptions, and arrange suitable care for after the operation.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery varies with each procedure. Some notable details include:

• Hospital Stay: Most shoulder surgeries are performed as daycare or short-stay services. They are done within a 24-hour timeframe, often from being checked into the hospital.
• Immobilization: Shoulder slings or shoulder immobilizers may be used for weeks for adequate protection.
• Pain Control Methods: Control of post surgery discomfort is achieved by the us of painkillers and cold packs.
• Therapy/Physical therapy: Active rehabilitation is important. Beginning gentle exercises within a few days and moving on to strength exercises over time.

Time usually taken depends on the surgery but averages between 3-6 months for full recovery.

Advantages of Shoulder Surgery

•  Shoulder pain that is chronic gets relieved
• Motion, flexibility, and range of activities restored
• Minimizes the chance of injuries or dislocations in the future
• Betterment of physical activities and quality of life
• Return to daily chores and sports fully

Risks and Considerations

Shoulder surgeries are generally very safe in today’s world but can have some risks that arise from almost any surgery such as:

• Infection
• Clots within blood vessels
• Damaged nerves
• Stifness of arm
• Shoulder using muscle re-injury without sufficient rehab

The risks can be minimized with an experienced orthopaedic surgeon.  

Why opt for Dr. Neeraj Yadav?  

For those with any ailments relating to the shoulder, Dr. Neeraj Yadav treats patients with world-class facilities along with great care.  

Dr. Yadav is an ortho surgeon practicing in Gurgaon, India and has a lot of experience when it comes to surgeries of the shoulder, joint replacement and disorders of bones. A number of cases of sports injuries and chronic degenerative joint problems along with complicated trauma cases have been treated successfully by him.

At The Knee Centre, Dr. Neeraj Yadav offers specialized advanced shoulder surgery with customized approaches for each individual patient. He makes certain that there is no ambiguity in diagnosing, discussing treatment options, and giving the best care possible to each patient.

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