Shoulder pain, is well, a major pain!



Shoulder pain is a common issue that can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions, including offering advanced surgical solutions like reverse total shoulder replacement. This article will explore the causes of shoulder pain, the benefits of reverse total shoulder replacement, and the importance of fellowship-trained surgeons in performing these procedures.

Understanding Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can arise from various conditions, including injuries, arthritis, and referred pain from other areas of the body.

Common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff tendons can lead to pain and limited mobility.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness.
• Frozen Shoulder: Adhesive capsulitis results in severe stiffness and pain.
• Shoulder Impingement: Compression of the tendons or bursa in the shoulder can cause pain.
• Shoulder Trauma: Repetitive injuries from sports of severe overuse.

What is Total Shoulder Replacement?

In a total shoulder replacement, both the ball (head of the humerus) and the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components. These components are typically made of metal and plastic, designed to mimic the natural movement of the shoulder.

Types of Shoulder Replacement:

Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement: This procedure involves replacing the damaged ball and socket with implants that resemble the natural shape of the bones.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: In this approach, the ball and socket are reversed. The ball is attached to the shoulder blade, and the socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This method is often used when the rotator cuff is severely damaged.

Why Undergo Shoulder Replacement?

Shoulder replacement surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Conditions that may necessitate this surgery include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Severe rotator cuff injuries
• Fractures
• Osteonecrosis
• Trauma
• Overuse 

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement:

Reverse total shoulder replacement is a specialized surgical procedure designed to address severe shoulder pain and dysfunction, particularly in cases where the rotator cuff is damaged. Unlike traditional shoulder replacement, this procedure reverses the normal anatomy of the shoulder joint. The ball is placed on the socket side, and the socket is placed on the arm side.

Benefits of Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

1. Improved Function: By relying on the deltoid muscle instead of the rotator cuff, patients can achieve better arm movement and strength.
2. Pain Relief: This procedure effectively reduces pain caused by rotator cuff tears and arthritis.
3. Enhanced Stability: The reversed anatomy provides greater stability for the shoulder joint, reducing the risk of dislocation

When to See a Medical Provider

Shoulder pain is fairly common and is sometimes caused by a problem in another area of the body, but felt in the shoulder and upper back. It's important to see a medical provider if you're experiencing shoulder pain and any of the following symptoms:

• Fever lasting longer than 48 hours
• Heat around the shoulder joint
• Inability to move your shoulder, especially raising your arm above your head
• Lasting bruising and tenderness at/around the shoulder joint
• Pain lasting for more than a few weeks that does not improve with home remedies