MEREDITH MC DONOUGH - Good evening and welcome to the Body Shop with Dr. Steve, I'm Meredith McDonough and we're talking total shoulder replacement. Dr. Steve who gets their shoulder replaced?
Dr. Steve -The candidates for total shoulder replacement are those folks who have severe arthritis in their shoulder, and significant disability, or inability to complete daily tasks. The average age of someone having this surgery is 68. They must have a good rotator cuff for a successful surgery. They rotator cuff is what helps move the shoulder once the replacement surgery is complete. ( Demonstrate where the cuff is) There are about 30 muscles around the shoulder but the cuff strength makes the most significant contribution to function. In total shoulder replacement surgery both the top of the humeral head and the glenoid are replaced. Rehabilitation following this surgery dictates the functional use of the arm. The pain is gone but you must recover your strength and motion. Both should return to almost full. Some motions are not restored completely to protect the shoulder.
MEREDITH MC DONOUGH - Is this a common surgery now?
Dr. Steve - It is not as common as total hips and knee replacements but it is on the rise. Predictors of success, Intact rotator cuff muscles, Surgeon who does more then 5 of these surgeries per year Good rehabilitation following surgery.
MEREDITH MC DONOUGH - If you want more information contact Dr. Steve at 1-800-NEWSELF or www.alleghenyChesapeake.com
Dr. Steve Show/The Body Shop 
