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Severe shoulder arthritis is quite painful, and can cause restriction of motion. While this may be tolerated with some medications and lifestyle adjustments, there may come a time when surgical treatment is necessary. Common symptoms of shoulder arthritis include Pain with activities, Limited range of motion, Stiffness of the shoulder ,Swelling of the joint, Tenderness around the joint ,A feeling of grinding or catching within the joint There are much more simple treatments for shoulder arthritis that should be tried before considering shoulder replacement surgery. Because the shoulder is not a weight-bearing joint (like the knees and hips), many patients can tolerate shoulder arthritis with some basic treatments and modifications of their activities. |
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Total shoulder replacement surgery alleviates pain by replacing the damaged bone and cartilage with a metal and plastic implant. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, much like the hip joint. The ball is the top of the arm bone (the humerus), and the socket is within the shoulder blade (scapula). This joint allows people an enormous range of motion at the shoulder. |
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Patients who have tried the usual treatments for shoulder arthritis, but have not been able to find adequate relief, may be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. Patients considering the procedure should understand the potential risks of surgery, and understand that the goal of joint replacement is to alleviate pain. Patients generally find improved motion after surgery, but these improvements are not as consistent as the pain relief following shoulder replacement surgery. |