Your Shoulder Surgeon in Nashville, TN
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The shoulder is one of the most mobile and complex joints in the human body. This complexity is what allows you to rotate, stretch, lift, and perform all the other shoulder movements that get you through your everyday life and your favorite activities. However, it’s also what makes the shoulder prone to injury, as well as wear and tear that can ultimately lead to pain and reduced mobility.
For some patients, total shoulder replacement surgery – or total shoulder arthroplasty – becomes the best option to provide long-term relief.
Shoulder replacement surgery is a complex and technically demanding procedure that should only be performed by an expert. Dr. Kaminsky is a high-volume shoulder replacement surgeon who performs this procedure routinely with excellent outcomes. Resolution of pain, improved function, and a return to normal activities are anticipated goals for this surgery.
Dr. Kaminsky uses the latest and most advanced technology when performing shoulder replacement surgery. This includes extensive pre-operative planning utilizing specialized computer software imaging. 3-dimensional imaging evaluation and templating, Patient Specific Instrumentation, and 3-D printing are advanced tools Dr. Kaminsky uses to improve accuracy and minimize operative time. Most patients go home the same day as the surgery or elect to stay overnight. This results in less pain and a faster return to enjoying a normal life.
Combining the leading technology and Dr. Kaminsky’s skill and expertise of over 20 years as the top shoulder surgeon Nashville, TN has to offer, Pinnacle Surgical Orthopedics is the practice that will help you recover from chronic shoulder pain and return to full function with confidence.
Ready to get started? Schedule your first appointment with us today.
The Latest on Advanced Technology Treatments
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: How It Works
The shoulder joint is the third most common joint replaced in the body. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint: the ball (humeral head) of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket (glenoid). When this joint becomes worn or painful, Dr. Kaminsky may recommend a shoulder replacement.
Sometimes, only the “ball” is replaced in a procedure called a hemiarthroplasty. When the “ball and socket” are both replaced, this is called a total shoulder arthroplasty. The ball is made of metal, and the socket is made of metal or plastic.
Here’s how a typical shoulder replacement procedure with Dr. Kaminsky at Pinnacle works:
- Dr. Kaminsky makes an incision that is made between 3-8 inches in length and in the front or side of the shoulder in order to gain access to the joint.
- The humeral head (ball) is removed and a metal stem is placed in the humerus (arm bone).
- The stem serves as a base for the new humeral head (ball) to sit on.
- If you are having a total shoulder replacement, the glenoid (socket) is smoothed and prepared.
- A metal or plastic component is attached so that it articulates with your new humeral head (ball).
Shoulder replacement surgery is performed in the hospital and typically takes between 1-3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need shoulder replacement
There are several reasons why Dr. Kaminsky may recommend partial or total shoulder arthroplasty.
People who benefit from arthroplasty shoulder surgery often have:
- Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities, such as reaching into a cabinet, dressing, toileting, and washing.
- Moderate to severe pain while resting. This pain may be severe enough to prevent a good night’s sleep.
- Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder.
- Failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or physical therapy.
What are some common conditions that require shoulder arthroplasty?
While there are a wide range of conditions that can result in the kind of wear and tear that ultimately makes shoulder replacement the right choice, there are a few conditions that commonly result in replacement, including (but not limited to):
- Rotator Cuff's Tear Arthropathy: A very large and long-standing rotator cuff tear may develop a condition called Rotator's cuff tear arthropathy. The lack of muscle stability and protection leads to bone-on-bone contact. This results in arthritis and the destruction of the joint cartilage. This rotator cuff tear usually has a traumatic origin or is due to tendon degeneration.
- Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted. Bone cells die without a proper blood supply and cause the destruction of the shoulder joint. Risk factors associated with its cause include chronic steroid use, deep-sea diving, severe fractures, sickle cell disease, and alcohol abuse.
Does your shoulder specialist near me accept insurance?
Yes! Dr. Kaminsky and the team at Pinnacle Surgical Orthopedics accept insurance from a wide range of providers across the Greater Nashville area. To learn more about our list of accepted providers, visit our Insurance page here on the website.
How can I get started with the best shoulder replacement doctors near me?
At Pinnacle, we make it easy to get started on your road to recovery. Just use our online tool to request an appointment, and we’ll schedule you as quickly as we possibly can.