Educational overview. Not medical advice.
Total shoulder replacement is a significant orthopedic procedure aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in the shoulder joint. In Norman, OK, a stable population of approximately 118,197 residents, with a median age slightly higher than the national average, drives the demand for this surgery. Factors such as an active lifestyle and a growing elderly population contribute to the need for orthopedic solutions.
Norman Overview
Norman is served by several healthcare facilities, including Norman Regional Health System. While there are no academic medical centers within the city, residents often rely on nearby tertiary centers for specialized care. This geographic reliance shapes the accessibility of orthopedic services in the area.
In Norman, dominant commercial insurers include Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, with Medicare coverage playing a significant role in joint replacement procedures. Medicare penetration in this region aligns closely with national averages, ensuring that many residents have access to necessary surgical interventions.
Active Lifestyle Focus: Many residents engage in sports and outdoor activities, leading to increased shoulder injuries.
Growing Elderly Population: An aging demographic often requires more joint replacements.
Climate Considerations: Mild weather encourages outdoor physical activity, impacting joint health.
Access to Rehabilitation: Well-established rehab facilities support recovery for surgical patients.
Total shoulder replacement involves replacing damaged cartilage and bone with artificial components. Variations include anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements, tailored to specific patient needs and conditions like arthritis or rotator cuff tears.
Patients typically consider total shoulder replacement after exhausting non-surgical options, such as physical therapy, medications, and injections like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), stem cells, or adipose allografts. These alternatives may offer temporary relief but often do not address severe joint damage.
The procedure generally begins with an incision to access the shoulder joint. Surgeons then prepare the joint by removing damaged bone and cartilage, followed by implant placement. Soft tissue balancing is crucial before closing the incision to ensure proper function post-surgery.
Recovery typically spans several months, starting with pain management and immobilization in the early weeks. Patients gradually progress to motion exercises, followed by strengthening activities, ultimately returning to regular activities within a few months.
Patients often compare surgeons based on experience, facility logistics, and rehabilitation coordination. TopOrthoDocs serves as an educational platform for researching orthopedic options, emphasizing that greater procedure experience can lead to safer surgeries and smoother recoveries.
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