Shoulder replacement options, any personal reports?
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An active life leaves a legacy! I’ve been given the news that a reverse shoulder replacement is my only viable option by two different surgeons. The damage and degenerative status of the right shoulder is severe.
Have you, or anyone you know had this procedure? Perhaps they were able to continue with the sport of their choice? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Rich |
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I am a candidate for shoulder replacement. Two orthopedists told me I shouldn't climb afterward, since it could damage the joint and a second surgery may be needed. I was also told I would need to limit lifting over my head to 15 pounds. I have read accounts on here of people climbing after their replacement. I decided to go with what the orthos said, so I didn't get the replacement! |
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Haven't had one replaced, but both fixed. If you're in the Rockies, see Thomas Hackett at the Steadman Clinic. He's the best. |
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Steve Williams wrote: I don’t think Hackett does replacements. It’s radically different than a repair. At the Steadman Clinic in Vail you want to see Dr. Millett. I had an anatomic shoulder replacement 5 weeks ago with Millett. (Not a reverse because my rotator cuff just needed some repairs but was still functioning, a reverse is done if your rotator cuff is not fixable). Millett thought that I’d be able to climb again. We’ll see. It may be a lot different with a reverse but I’d get an opinion from a surgeon like Millett and see what he says about climbing. best of luck! |
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Thanks for your input and suggestions! Rich |
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Hey Rich, I’m not sure what the difference is between a reverse shoulder replacement and a total shoulder replacement, but I had the total replacement In 2013 - ten years ago. I was 61 at the time and was in reasonable good shape. My surgeon assured me that I could return to climbing in ~ 4 months and eventually climb as hard as I wanted to. I did just that. I feel that I have full range of motion now (for a 71 year old), and have since several months after the surgery. I continue to climb regularly. I had a mechanical chair in my home as part of my PT. It would raise my arm - bent at a 90 degree froward - up and down, over and over, gradually increasing the range higher. I had had multiple corticosteroid injections over the years - going back to the 90’s. My other shoulder is now in a similar condition, but I am avoiding replacement surgery (for now) by staying away from overhanging moves that depend on excessive pulling, and I get regular injections of ozone (RenuO2). I would think you could return to mostly normal and have a full life of climbing going forward. |
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An Anatomic or "Normal" Total Shoulder Replacement can be done for people who have strong and relatively healthy rotator cuff muscles. If you DON'T have good rotator cuff muscles then they must perform a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement. Due to the bio-mechanics of the ball and socket joint you cannot raise your arm overhead without a strong set of rotator cuff muscles. If they REVERSE the ball and socket and put the ball side on the scapula and the cup side on the humerous they can change the bio-mechanics, or the physics if you will, and allow for people to get their arm overhead without the rotator cuff muscles. The Reverse Shoulder Replacement does offer some extra challanges and limitiations compared to an Anatomic Replacement. I would get a consultation with a good surgeon who does replacements on athletes and see what their thoughts are on return to climbing. When I saw Dr. Millett at the Steadman Vail clinic he said I could return to climbing without knowing for sure if I would need a reverse or an anatomic. So maybe climbing is an option with the reverse but I do not know for sure. |
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Good to know, I understand now. Thanks for that explantation. Hope for the best for Rich |
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I had my right shoulder replaced about three years ago:full reverse I can raise my right arm about to head level, though if I pushing on something, I can raise it all the way overhead. I can also "cheat" by swinging my arm clockwise, which for some reason works, and I can get my arm up a little higher. Face climbing, easy crack climbing and moderate ice are within reason, I can also hand spider up a face with my right hand. It's not only climbing that's affected by the surgery, it's your whole life, many things just become harder. There's a device sold by Hilti, the power tool company called the Exoskelton, that I thought about incorporating into my life, it's intended for anyone who works overhead, weighs 4lbs, and sells 1900$ My Orthopedic surgeon, Meagan McCarthy, at the Reno Orthopedic Center (ROC)was considering recommending it to her patients who were resisting surgery to the bitter end. My Rotator cuff was all but gone. I plan to join the Paradox Sports people next year at Ouray, and see if they can teach me how to climb with a handicap |
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Wow Mario, you’re doing a great work around! I’m glad climbing life continues despite imposed limitations. I guess aging forces it upon most of us. Best wishes! Thanks |
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Rich Carlstad wrote: Hi Rich, Long time no see. (Almost 40 years.) This is Peter Lenz; I live in Utah, now. I am now a retired ER doctor. I’m not an expert on this surgery. |
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Good advice from Peter Lenz. I was told that Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement would be desirable in my case after one of the shoulder tendons totally and permanently detached from the bone. They wouldn't try a repair as it for 3 reasons: 1st) It had been repaired previously. 2nd) My age (67). 3rd) I have extensive and significant arthritis in the shoulder joint. I pushed back and resisted the surgery. I was told by the orthopedic surgeon that climbing would be possible after the surgery's rehab, memory says about 6 months. The downside of it, I was told, is that it is a newer thing, and long term results, while what is visible is encouraging, aren't fully in yet. I passed, and got a PT referral and have gone the physical therapy route working it hard for the last year and a half or so, and reading this thread I'm glad I did. As time has passed, the pain has diminished and although I can feel the lump where the end of the unattached tendon is, it's working out and I'm climbing harder than ever. The grades are way, way down though:-) |