HEALTH & WELLNESS
A new shoulder may be the
answer to your disabling pain
Dr. Robert Kayal answers your questions about
total shoulder replacement surgery
Why would someone need shoulder replace-
ment surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery can resolve nu-
merous problems, including dislocations, frac-
tures, arthritis and rotator cuff tears. The pain of
osteoarthritis is the most common reason peo-
ple have this procedure. When the shoulder be-
DR. ROBERT comes arthritic, cartilage can deteriorate, creat-
KAYAL
ing excruciating pain as bone rubs against bone.
Using high quality prosthetic materials, this pro-
cedure restores the smooth, gliding movement of
a healthy shoulder joint.
noid (shoulder cavity) are replaced with artificial material
lined with metal or plastic. A long metal piece with a round-
ed head replaces your arm bone and, when necessary, the
shoulder bone is smoothed and covered with a plastic com-
ponent. Cement may be used to hold your new ball-in-sock-
et in place, along with a material that allows new bone to
grow into your shoulder joint over time.
What is reverse shoulder replacement?
What happens during total shoulder replacement surgery? If you suffer from severe rotator cuff tears or debilitating
arthritis, traditional surgery may not be an option. Reverse
shoulder replacement is similar to a traditional replacement,
but the position of the ball-and-socket joint is reversed so
your healthy muscles and tendons can take over the du-
The damaged ends of your humerus (arm bone) and gle- CONTINUED ON 93
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ MAY 2018