What Is a Disappointing Shoulder?
Failed reverse shoulder arthroplasty
What is a Disappointing Shoulder and how do I fix it?
A Disappointing Shoulder is a shoulder that has failed to improve after extensive treatment and sometimes surgery. As a shoulder specialist, I, unfortunately, see this often. Surgery to correct shoulder problems including rotator cuff tears and shoulder arthritis is very complex and can sometimes lead to outcomes that are disappointing to both the patient and the surgeon. Failure can result from stiffness, weakness, instability, pain or failure to heal, and from complications such as infection or nerve injury.
Many orthopedic surgeons are well-trained to perform basic shoulder surgery. Complex, or redo surgery, is much more difficult and should be performed by shoulder and elbow surgeons with specialized training. I, as a shoulder and elbow specialist, have developed a Disappointing Shoulder program. The reasons for a Disappointing Shoulder are many, so I have developed a program that is much more than just revision surgery. I use data and up-to-date medical science to address the many reasons for a failed surgery.
Components of the Program
My Disappointing Shoulder program is a comprehensive, evidence-based, treatment plan that utilizes the following:
neuromuscular stimulation
pain management and technology-assisted mindfulness-based training
revision surgery when needed
Goal of the program
My goal in treating patients with a Disappointing Shoulder is simple – to help my patients feel better than they did when I first met them. I strongly believe in the concept of shared decision making so that my patients and I both understand the goals and how to achieve them.