Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Surgery
Having arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery has the huge advantage of creating minimal incisions. Traditional surgery, or what is called open surgery, is necessary when the damage to the rotator cuff is extreme or complex. When it is possible having arthroscopic surgery is almost always a better choice for the patient. Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery involved the surgeon creating a small incision to insert the arthroscope and very small surgical instruments. The scope is a camera that is guided into the afflicted spot. The surgeon then navigates the surgery via the scope’s display on a large display screen. Recovery time for arthroscopic rotator cuff and the appropriate aftercare varies from patient to patient. Generally, a sling is worn for several weeks in order to immobilize the shoulder and allow healing. Pain management medicine may be prescribed. Often a patient works with a physical or occupational therapist to regain range of motion in a safe manner. All in all, recovery takes a few months. The shoulder needs to mend and that takes time. After the doctor gives the patient the all-clear their routine can return to pretty much normal.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
Candidates for reverse total shoulder replacement are those who have developed cuff tear arthropathy, which is a type of shoulder arthritis caused in part by severe rotator cuff tears. The “reverse” part of the description comes from taking advantage of the body’s musculature. In a healthy shoulder, the upper tip of the humerus tucks into the shoulder socket, fitting like a ball into a cup. So a reverse total shoulder replacement switches the positions of the ball and cup, so to speak — a metal ball is fixed into the shoulder socket and a plastic opening (so the cup) is attached to the humerus. The reverse placement is done because that way the shoulder range of motion relies on the deltoid muscles (on top of the shoulder) and not the already damaged rotator cuff. As the deltoid isn’t damaged the patient can use it to regain a better range of motion. After surgery medications are prescribed to avoid complications and alleviate pain. Recovery takes several months. The affected shoulder will be in a sling and either physical therapy or a series of exercises at home is recommended.
Total Hip Replacement
The most common reason for a total hip replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty) is osteoarthritis although there are several other reasons why it may be necessary, like disease or injury. In this surgery, the affected bone and cartilage are taken out and replaced with prosthetics, most often made out of plastic or metal. Like other joints the hip consists of a “ball and socket” and the damaged bones, cartilage, and other tissue must be removed. The femoral head (or tip of the thigh bone) is removed and a metal stem affixed into the femur itself with its round metal head tucked into the socket of the hip. Most regular, very light activities can be resumed several weeks post hip replacement surgery. Physical or occupational therapy is an absolute must in order to gain strength and to help prevent further complications.