Total Shoulder Replacement Gets Patients Out of Pain and Back in Action

Reaching for things above your head seems natural. Until it hurts too much.

Dr. Julianne Munoz is an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. For more information about total shoulder replacement surgery, click here.

MEET REYNALDO SEGUI:

A 30-year career in law enforcement began to take a toll on Reynaldo Segui’s left shoulder.

“I couldn’t move it up to a certain position, and then it would hurt. It would just be a constant hurt,” says Reynaldo.

After years of living with the pain, Reynaldo went to see Julianne Munoz, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute. Due to severe arthritis, she recommended total shoulder replacement.

“A total shoulder replacement is a surgery that’s used for arthritis of the shoulder joint,” Dr. Munoz says. “That’s a ball and socket joint. So, when we replace it, we usually are cutting off the humeral head, which is the ball component. And we replace that with a metal ball.”

Then, Dr. Munoz replaces the arthritic socket with a plastic component.

“Since that gives you a nice new painless and better moving surface than an arthritic joint,” she adds.

“So, doctor who’s a good candidate for that?” anchor Pam Giganti asks.

“Anyone that’s in the 60’s, 70’s range is really a prime target because they’re going to get really great relief,” says Dr. Munoz.

She says there are signs you may want to consider total shoulder replacement.

“Not being able to lift up your grandchildren or not being able to get your hand to your head,” Dr. Munoz explains.

Two months after surgery and weekly physical therapy, Reynaldo was gardening and working on the house. He credits the entire UHealth team for getting him out of pain and back to doing what he loves.

“They’re fantastic. They’re right on top. They’re on the ball,” Reynaldo says.

Tags: focusing on you, FOY, orthopaedics, orthopedics, shoulder replacement, sports medicine