That's a question you and your doctor will have to answer together.
But when shoulder pain interferes with the things you want or need to
do, the time may be right.
Shoulder replacement may be
an option when nonsurgical interventions such as medication and
physical therapy no longer help alleviate the persistent pain. Other
possible signs such as: aching in the joint, followed by periods of
relative relief, pain after extensive use, loss of motion, joint
stiffness after periods of inactivity or rest, and/or pain that seems
to increase in humid weather may also lead you and your doctor to
consider a shoulder replacement.
Your primary care
doctor may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon who will help you
determine when or if it's time for shoulder surgery and which type of
shoulder surgery is most appropriate. Your surgeon may decide that
shoulder replacement surgery is not appropriate if you have an
infection, you do not have enough bone, or the bone is not strong
enough to support an artificial shoulder.
Doctors
generally try to delay total shoulder replacement for as long as
possible in favour of less invasive treatments. However, if you have
advanced joint disease, you may evaluate with your doctor if a
shoulder replacement offers the chance for relief from pain and a
return to normal activities.
How Do I Know If I Need Shoulder Surgery?
How do I get a diagnosis?
To diagnose your condition, an orthopaedic surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your shoulder, analyse X-rays, and conduct physical tests. You will be asked to describe your pain, if you suffer from other joint pain, and if you have endured past injuries that may have affected your current shoulder condition. It may be helpful to keep a record of your shoulder pain to share with your doctor. Your shoulder joints will then be tested for strength and range of motion through a series of activities. X-rays of your shoulder joint will indicate any change in size or shape, or any unusual circumstances.
