Dr. Peter Mulhern understands the pain and relative immobility many patients go through when coping with a damaged shoulder joint. An injured shoulder can make it difficult not only to perform simple tasks, but when left untended, can become more and more damaged, leading to significantly increased pain and limited function well into the future.
A practicing orthopaedic surgeon and specialist in total joint replacement, Dr. Peter Mulhern works with patients to determine the best course of action when it comes treating shoulder injuries. There are several reasons a professional like Dr. Mulhern may recommend a total joint replacement, including:
A Fracture in the Upper Arm
A patient who has experienced a fracture in the ball portion or top of the arm bone is often a good candidate for total shoulder replacement. When such a fracture occurs, restoration is often not possible without this procedure.
Rotator Cuff Tear
An injury to one of the four muscles surrounding the patient’s upper arm is generally a rotator cuff tear. This injury can often lead to limited stability and mobility in the joint, and when left untreated, may result in arthritis.
Arthritis of the Shoulder Joint
The presence of shoulder joint arthritis tends to occur most in patients 50 and older, and often results in considerable pain and stiffness throughout the patient’s shoulder. As Dr. Peter Mulhern knows, nonsurgical options are available for this condition, though total replacement of the shoulder joint is often one of the best ways to restore mobility and relieve pain.
