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St. Petersburg , FL
US
Who’s had a total shoulder or Humeral head replacement done? I had surgery for the second time on my shoulder back in November and doc that did it said I need a replacement now. I’ve seen 5 different docs and they all say the same thing. That I need a replacement. I am looking into maybe just doing a humeral head cap if its worth it. I am worried about how much function I am gonna lose with a full replacement. And it seems they are good for 18-20 years, I am 38 now, so doesn’t sound like fun doing it again around 60. But I am completely miserable in pain with it now.
I feel for you, man. Shoulder pain sucks. If it were me, I'd see if I could heal up a little longer before going down the replacement route. Then again, I don't know how bad off you are.
I figure if it’s not better by now, it’s probably not getting better. The surgeon that worked on me said this is what it is. And new one I saw last week said same thing. He took one look at my X-rays and said it’s worst looking shoulder he’s ever seen of anyone that can move their arm. And he’s surprised I am as functional as I am.
The docs want to do another operation on each shoulder but they still can't guarantee anything will be permanently fixed. Plus I have a full time job, my wife works full time so I can't have her always helping me in and out of bed, my truck, the bathroom, etc. for months until I'm fully recovered. I was told the same thing, I could do a full replacement on both and should be good for 10-15 years (since I use them so much for my chair) but for me I can't take the time off needed to fully recover. I've found a lot of relief in rubbing Volteren cream on both shoulders every morning and night instead of taking pain meds or crapping blood from so much ibuprofen. Getting massages every 2 weeks really helps too. Icing them down if you have a real busy day will help the short term.
Unfortunately with major shoulder injuries there doesn't seem to be a solid 1-stop cure all. Luckily since Covid my work has gone mostly remote so I don't need to lift into my truck every day anymore which helps a lot and not pushing around at the office all day. Hope you get better dude, shoulder pain IMO is even worse than back pain.
I can’t offer any insight, just sympathies. I learned more than I ever wanted to know about shoulder replacements and I know how dreadful it is.
The Shop
I have had two TSA (anatomic) in 2019 and both failed immediately due to glenoid component loosening. Last year doctor removed the second failed joint and I now have a cement spacer awaiting a custom reverse joint. Yes - four replacement surgeries in span of two years on same shoulder.
The pain you are having is 3 out of 10. The pain of a poor/failed joint is 50 out of 10.
You are too young for a TSA. I recommend hold out as long as possible. If you get it, make sure you have a stable joint. The cap may not provide stability if your glenoid is deformed in any way.
I'm 58 years old and super healthy. Prior to my first TSA joint replacement I had several arthroscopic joint clean outs.
Get a joint replacement and your moto days are done, period!
Any more questions lmk.
I have about 60% range of motion, but more importantly, experience little pain. The bone tissue died years ago but I can still ride off-road and mountain bikes. Even rather significant nerve damage, which led to muscle atrophy, has not been a huge issue. I simply worked around it knowing that you can’t go back once replacement surgery has been performed.
To recap: if you’re simply considering surgery, don’t do it.
The last couple times I raced moto i was crashing in the corner entry braking bumps due to sharp arthritis pain. I knew at that point I had pushed my shoulder to the limit. I hope some people can get back to mx with a shoulder replacement.
My opinion is these joints just are not built for that kind of activity period.
I'm having my fourth shoulder replacement in a few weeks. Two failed immediately and now have a spacer waiting for a custom fit, 3D printed joint. May want to ask your doctor about these new custom fit joints if you want the best outcome.
What Charlie said ...... it's a tough decision.
Above all, find a local expert and listen to their advice. The Carroll Clinic, a world-leader in joint therapy and pain management, says surgery should be the last option. Shoulder injuries are the worst and often life-altering, but avoiding the knife should be the primary objective.
I appreciate all input and experiences.
I tore my rotator back in September and after looking at my mri the doctor told me a reverse shoulder replacement was my only option to recover much rom and strength.
I still work everyday and am learning to adjust. One of the hardest things is using an impact driver anywhere above chest level, but dealing with that.
I have pain when I push it to far, and have trouble getting comfortable to sleep but am debating if a want to go ahead with replacement in the fall or wait until later in life.
Again thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge on this subject.
Pit Row
I still do weekly abduction, flexion, internal & external rotation stretch sessions to keep ROM close to normal, but even then its not easy.
Left shoulder was a humeral head replacement 11 years ago.
Right shoulder was total, anatomical replacement 3 years ago.
Range of motion improved on both, because I had massive calcium deposits on both humerous'.
Pain and function wise (after healing) the total shoulder replacement is far superior to the humeral head only. However, you need to ask your doctor what kind of lifetime restrictions they recommend after each procedure. It's likely that they will recommend more stringent restrictions with total shoulder replacement. So, that's the tradeoff.
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