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Wear and tear on the shoulder joint can lead to pain and stiffness over time. For some, the increased pain and reduced mobility become a significant issue that affects their ability to function and lowers their quality of life. Is shoulder replacement surgery the only answer? This blog explores alternatives to shoulder replacement that have helped some patients restore mobility and function. It also discusses when total shoulder replacement becomes the best option for patients who don’t see substantial improvement with alternative therapies.
Potential Drawbacks of Total Shoulder Replacement
Although total shoulder replacement surgery may be the only option for some patients, there are potential drawbacks to the procedure, including:
Surgical Risks Associated With Shoulder Replacement
Total shoulder replacement carries the same risks as other surgeries, such as:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Development of blood clots
- Increased risk of heart problems
- Nerve damage during the procedure
- Premature implant failure
While you can minimize many of these risks by selecting a board-certified, experienced orthopedic surgeon, you can’t eliminate them. If patients have an alternative treatment option, doctors often prefer trying those treatments first before moving to invasive surgery.
Total Shoulder Replacement Recovery
Alternative therapies may also take time before patients begin to experience pain relief and improved function. Although you may start to see improvement within the first three months, full healing may take up to one year. However, the recovery process between treatments is typically shorter and less disruptive to a patient’s daily life.
Total Shoulder Replacement Cost
Total shoulder replacement surgery can be costly, averaging between $20,000 and $40,000. While insurance may cover much of that, patients may still face high out-of-pocket costs. In addition to the actual cost of the procedure, you may incur additional expenses, such as:
- Unpaid time off work
- Additional childcare help
- Home assistance, such as a cleaning service
- Durable medical equipment
Biologic-based alternatives can also be expensive, and insurance doesn’t always cover these procedures. However, alternative therapies may cost substantially less than surgery.
Alternatives to Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Some patients may be good candidates for biologic and regenerative treatments as a conservative alternative to shoulder replacement. These therapies include PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate), which mimic the body’s natural healing processes and regenerate the damaged joint.
Alternative therapies may help patients suffering from rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and osteoarthritis of the shoulder, conditions that have traditionally required surgical replacement to produce substantial improvement.
Biologic therapies often involve standard blood draws and injections into the injured joint. If bone marrow will be utilized for the regenerative process, your doctor will use a specialized needle and imaging technology to extract the bone marrow and inject it into the joint. This procedure uses local anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable throughout treatment. Patients are usually back to regular activities within a few days. Physical therapy is often combined with these treatments to optimize improvement.
When Shoulder Replacement Surgery Is the Best Option
Biologic therapies often work best for younger, active patients with early-stage osteoarthritis or mild to moderate tissue damage. Some therapies also work well for patients with more advanced damage. Dr. Snibbe offers a variety of treatment options to address the needs of a wider range of patients. Patients undergoing these treatments typically see pain reduction and improved function. However, structural damage is not reversed, as it is with surgical procedures.
Some have too much joint damage to see satisfying improvements from biologic therapies. For these patients, total or reverse shoulder replacement surgery may be the right choice. Dr. Snibbe doesn’t recommend surgery for patients unless he believes it’s the best option for them to restore mobility and reduce or eliminate pain. If surgery is right for you, Dr. Snibbe offers advanced techniques, including robotic shoulder replacement, to shorten recovery time and improve outcomes.
Patients with severe shoulder damage may not be good candidates for total shoulder replacement or biologic therapies. For these patients, reverse shoulder replacement may be an alternative treatment that alleviates pain and improves shoulder function. Reverse shoulder replacement reverses the natural anatomy of the shoulder joint, creating the socket at the top of the arm and the ball at the shoulder. Reverse shoulder replacement recovery is similar to total shoulder replacement, with many months of physical therapy to restore strength and function.
Learn More About Reverse Shoulder Replacement in Los Angeles
Shoulder pain affects every aspect of your life. Fortunately, treatments can reduce discomfort and restore mobility and function. Dr. Jason Snibbe offers advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments designed to produce the best results for his patients. He is considered one of the world’s top board-certified orthopedic surgeons. He has worked with professional athletes, performers, and individuals who want to stay active throughout their lives.
If shoulder pain is affecting your ability to function and your quality of life, help is available. To find out if biologic therapies or shoulder replacement surgery is right for you, call our office today at (310) 860-3048 or complete our online contact form.
