Educational overview. Not medical advice.
Total shoulder replacement is a common orthopedic procedure in Pawtucket, RI, a city with a stable population of approximately 71,172 residents. The median age is slightly higher than the national average, reflecting an aging demographic that drives demand for joint-related surgeries. Key factors contributing to this demand include a growing interest in outdoor activities and a workforce engaged in physically demanding jobs.
Pawtucket Overview
The main healthcare facilities in Pawtucket include the Memorial Hospital and the Rhode Island Hospital system. While there are no academic centers directly in Pawtucket, residents often rely on nearby tertiary centers in Providence for specialized orthopedic care, ensuring access to experienced surgeons and advanced treatment options.
Dominant commercial insurers in the area include Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, with Medicare penetration higher than the national average. This is significant for joint replacement procedures, as it influences patient access to necessary surgeries and the types of coverage available for orthopedic care.
Active Lifestyle Focus: Many residents engage in sports and outdoor activities that increase wear on shoulder joints.
Physically Demanding Jobs: A workforce engaged in manufacturing and construction leads to higher injury rates.
Access to Rehabilitation: Numerous rehab facilities support post-surgery recovery.
Community Awareness: Increased awareness of treatment options drives demand for surgeries.
Total shoulder replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. Variations include anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements, depending on the patient's specific condition and needs.
Patients typically consider total shoulder replacement after exploring non-surgical options like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and advanced treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), stem cells, and adipose allografts. These alternatives may provide temporary relief but often do not address severe joint damage.
The procedure generally begins with an incision, followed by joint preparation to remove damaged cartilage. Surgeons then place the implant, ensuring proper alignment and soft tissue balancing before closing the incision.
Recovery typically spans several weeks, beginning with pain management and immobilization. Gradual motion exercises follow, leading to strengthening phases, with many patients returning to normal activities within a few months.
Patients often compare options based on experience with the procedure, facility logistics, and rehabilitation coordination. TopOrthoDocs serves as an educational search platform, helping patients find surgeons with proven experience, which may lead to safer surgeries and smoother recoveries.
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