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By Christopher Manseau M.D.
There are various causes of agonizing shoulder pain and discomfort, but if you’re someone who suffers from rotator cuff pain and limitation, you need to understand the differences and your options.
What causes shoulder pain?
Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are, unfortunately, a primary source of joint and bone inflammation, which is a significant contributor to rotator cuff degeneration. Trauma and injury are the second leading cause of shoulder aches, tears, and dislocation.
Treatment Options
Typically, orthopedic surgeons will start patients with some form of physical therapy and pain management program that includes medications or corticosteroid injections. However, these therapies do not work in every case, and for many individuals that don’t respond to these methods, surgery is absolutely necessary to recover your range-of-motion and to improve mobility and function, which will subsequently, alleviate your pain.
The shoulder is made up of three bones, the humerus (arm), scapula (upper back), and the clavicle (collarbone). The glenoid socket houses the upper ball of the humerus bone and the central joint that connects everything together is the AC or acromioclavicular.
Partial Total Arthroscopy
This type of shoulder repair includes a prosthetic cup that acts as the glenoid socket and a titanium humerus ball that fits into the space precisely, allowing superior gliding and functionality. Because most individuals that suffer from forms of arthritis have lost collagen and lubrication in the joints, the prosthetic replacement alleviates a majority of their discomfort and lack of movement.
Reverse Total Arthroscopy
When there is a deep rotator cuff tear, severe and recurrent dislocation, a tumor or other traumatic shoulder injuries, it’s very beneficial to replace the shoulder joint by creating an exact opposite prosthesis than that of the partial total arthroscopy.
With a reverse total, the titanium ball is attached to the glenoid socket and the upper area of the humerus is the prosthetic cup. This provides ease and better functioning without pain for people with shoulder injuries because it makes the arm rely solely on the deltoid muscle as opposed to the rotator cuff.
Aftercare
With both partial and reverse arthroplasties, after surgery, you will be resting; if your surgeon gave instructions for any stretching or range-of-motion exercises, you would be doing those under their supervision and direction. During your healing process, you must be diligent about not lifting anything heavy or overusing your arm. A few weeks later you will need physical therapy to get your shoulder strength and flexibility back. Depending on your type of surgery and circumstances, you may need a few weeks to a few months of therapy.
Christopher Manseau M.D.
Fellowship Trained
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Fellow American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopedic Specialty Care
Orthopaedic Specialty Care (OSC) provides comprehensive surgical and nonsurgical solutions to the full range of orthopedic issues confronting all ages.
Dr. Christopher Manseau and his 12 member support staff develop and implement individual care programs combining advanced surgical techniques with on-site occupational therapy to ensure optimal success. Arthroscopic and other minimally- invasive techniques are also employed as appropriate.
Dr. Manseau has practiced in North Central Florida since 1997. He established OSC in 2006 to further his desire to provide the ultimate in personalized orthopedic care, with special emphasis on the individual needs of his patients. He is board certified in orthopedic; a fellow in upper extremity reconstruction, and a recognized sports injury expert.
To schedule your consultation, please call (352) 624-0004.
