Educational overview. Not medical advice.
Total shoulder replacement is a significant orthopedic procedure for individuals experiencing severe shoulder pain or dysfunction. St. George, UT, with a stable population of approximately 76,817 and a median age slightly younger than the national average, sees growing demand for orthopedic services driven by active lifestyles and an aging population.
St. George Overview
St. George boasts several healthcare facilities, including the St. George Regional Hospital. While there is no major academic center directly in the city, patients often rely on nearby tertiary centers for specialized care. This regional network supports the community's orthopedic needs effectively.
In St. George, dominant commercial insurers include Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, with Medicare penetration aligning closely with national averages. This coverage is crucial for those considering joint replacement, as it impacts accessibility and affordability of surgical options.
Active Lifestyle: Many residents engage in outdoor sports, increasing shoulder injuries.
Aging Population: A significant number of seniors contribute to demand for orthopedic procedures.
Rehabilitation Access: High availability of rehab services aids recovery for patients.
Seasonal Residents: The influx of seasonal visitors boosts orthopedic consultations during peak months.
Total shoulder replacement involves replacing damaged parts of the shoulder joint 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 exhausting non-surgical options such as physical therapy, medications, and injections like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), stem cells, and adipose allografts. These alternatives can provide temporary relief but may not address the underlying issues effectively.
The procedure generally involves making an incision, preparing the joint by removing damaged tissue, placing the implant, balancing soft tissues, and finally closing the incision. This approach aims to restore function and alleviate pain.
Recovery typically progresses through several phases: initial pain management and immobilization, followed by gradual motion exercises, strengthening activities, and a return to normal activities over several months. Rehabilitation services in St. George support this recovery process.
Patients often compare orthopedic surgeons based on experience, facility logistics, and rehabilitation coordination. TopOrthoDocs serves as an educational platform for research, emphasizing that more experience often correlates with safer surgeries and smoother recoveries.
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