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total shoulder replacement due to arthritis after rotator cuff repair surgery

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Posted 12/5/2013 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
I had arthroscopic rotator cuff repair nearly a year ago. The doctor noted significant arthritis during surgery; he cleaned out the junk and repaired the supraspinatus, which had a 2.5 cm full thickness tear. I went back to playing golf after about six months, and have full range of motion.

I continue to have pain from the arthritis and get cortisone shots every 5 weeks or so to allow me to play golf. So I'm facing total shoulder replacement. The repaired tear has completely healed so I would have normal shoulder replacement.

As you all know who have had shoulder surgery, the recovery period is long, painful and tedious. So having another procedure is not something to be taken lightly.

Question 1: Was it necessary to replace the torn RC before shoulder replacement or could they both have been done in one procedure?

Question 2: Is there any medication other than NSAIDS which can reduce arthritis pain so surgery can be avoided?

Thanks.

Bob

Posted 12/6/2013 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
John,
Hello, I am facing the same surgery. Been trying to avoid any movement to exacerbate the pain. I cannot lift my arm over my head or both arms will be painful reaching back.

I have had to adjust to a different lifestyle. As I DONOT want to have a shoulder replacement as there are screws in my rt shoulder.
For now I am not taking action for further repair. I don't lift & avoid all the issues that add to the pain . I have many itisis. So each one is different. I use a RX pain patch with cortisone and anesthesia"applied to the area. The patch has a small battery to deeply apply meds to the shoulder area. I also do PT 2x's a week ultra sound heat penetrates deeply and gave me tremendous relief after the first 2 weeks.

I have had both hip joints replaced and given up most of my fav sports &'hobbies for now. One hip is recalled by the manufacturer and have to have it redone after only 2 years.

If you do choose a replacement always know all the details from someone who has had a shoulder replaced. In my opinion replacement joints are not always cracked up to be what they are advertised. More pain and more issues in many instances. Know the manufacturer of the prothesis and be Absolutely Sure there are no metal on metal without a protective coating in the joint replacement.

Hope this helps. Try google replacement shoulder vs therapy and I posted another link below.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=175511

(( Hugs and freedom from pain ))
CHOTTI
Posted 1/3/2014 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
A rotator cuff tendon cannot be replaced. The cuff should be in good condition to have a replacement. Careful with the cortisone shots as too much can weaken the tendons.
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