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Shoulder pain sometimes becomes unbearable, affecting day-to-day activities and decreasing overall quality of life. When traditional treatments do not provide any relief, one of the best options is shoulder replacement surgery. Also called shoulder arthroplasty, it is a procedure in which damaged parts of your shoulder are supplanted with artificial parts. 

There are certain factors that decide whether you are a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery or not.

Factors that determine the candidacy for shoulder replacement surgery

Having specified symptoms

A person with certain specified symptoms, such as severe shoulder stiffness that limits mobility and impacts day-to-day activities, is considered a good candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. Other symptom include debilitating shoulder pain. In addition, a person who is suffering from pain because of osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis can also opt for shoulder replacement surgery.

Failed traditional treatments

Before you are recommended for shoulder replacement surgery, your physician might suggest traditional treatments to spare you from the pain and help with recovery and downtime associated with shoulder surgery. These traditional treatments include exercises, pain medications, lifestyle changes, injections, etc. But if they fail to treat your shoulder, surgery is the best option.

Age and health

Age plays an important role in deciding the candidature for shoulder replacement surgery. In general, people between their 40s and 70s are considered good for surgery. However, the person’s health condition is also considered, as surgery needs a person to be overall fit for anesthesia and the recovery procedure. For instance, people with conditions such as a damaged and irreparable rotator cuff are not suitable for shoulder replacement surgery.

Condition of nerves and deltoids

The deltoid is one of the primary muscles in your shoulder. To be able to undergo shoulder replacement surgery, it should be healthy. If there are any damaged deltoids, surgery is not recommended. Also, it is important for the nerves that run from your spine to your arm to be in good health.

Ready for a post-surgery rehab program

Rehabilitation after surgery needs responsiveness to physical therapies and might include limitations on various activities for a prescribed period of time. So, before going for surgery, the patient must commit to implementing the necessities and following all therapies. If not careful, active patients may pressure on their replaced shoulder, which might call for repeat surgery. Therefore, post surgery, it’s important to discuss your physical goals with your doctor to determine whether their outcomes align with your expectations.

Conclusion

Shoulder replacement surgery is one of the major surgeries that can highly enhance your overall quality of life if you are suffering from serious shoulder issues. But a skilled orthopedic doctor needs to assess your health condition, discuss various treatment methods, and assist in determining whether you are an ideal candidate for surgery or not. Every case is different, and the final decision for undergoing surgery depends on the proper evaluation of specified circumstances. So, seek expert advice and explore your options properly.

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