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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Include Scapula Replacement?

I am a 68 year old (very young 68) with RA, SLE, multiple other autoimmune diseases with severe osteoporosis. I have frequent falls and forgot to say I have been sick since I was 37. I have bilateral shoulder replacements as well as a hip replacement and have undergone multiple surgeries. This past Saturday I took a really hard fall and fractured two ribs on right side. The worst injury, other than a few lacerations, bruising which seems to be showing up more each day all along my left side, is severe pain in my left scapula. An x-ray taken at an urgent care shortly afterward was difficult for the P.A. to read because of all of the metal in my back from past surgeries. My armpit hurt a lot as well, and she was pretty sure I fractured it Told me if pain didn t lessen or swelling and bruising occurred to see my orthopedist. The surgeon who did a wonderful job on the replacements he did 22 years ago just moved to Cleveland Clinic. My family doctor saw me yesterday, examined me, and is sure my scapula is fractured. There is a significant amount of swelling and bruising. He put me on Dilaudid (thank goodness) for the pain, and I have return visit. My concern or question is: Since I have a shoulder replacement, is the scapula part of it? If so, did I break the replaced scapula? Thank you very much for listening to my rambling question, and I really appreciate any help you can give me. Jo Ellen
Mon, 10 Jul 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello Jo Ellen,
I have read your question carefully and my answer is no, shoulder replacement does not include scapula replacement. You see, shoulder replacement or technically called shoulder arthroplasty, consists of replacing the articular surfaces of the shoulder with artificial joint surfaces made mostly of chromium, cobalt and high density polyethylenes alloys. Having said that I should say that it is possible that you have your fractured scapula, as your family doctor said. My personal recommendation is that in addition to continuing the treatment already established by your doctor, you go to an orthopedic surgeon for a better assessment in the affected area and that indicates the best and most effective treatment for your condition.

I hope I have been of help to you, if you have any other concerns feel free to ask me, I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr. Valentina Romero.
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Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Include Scapula Replacement?

Hello Jo Ellen, I have read your question carefully and my answer is no, shoulder replacement does not include scapula replacement. You see, shoulder replacement or technically called shoulder arthroplasty, consists of replacing the articular surfaces of the shoulder with artificial joint surfaces made mostly of chromium, cobalt and high density polyethylenes alloys. Having said that I should say that it is possible that you have your fractured scapula, as your family doctor said. My personal recommendation is that in addition to continuing the treatment already established by your doctor, you go to an orthopedic surgeon for a better assessment in the affected area and that indicates the best and most effective treatment for your condition. I hope I have been of help to you, if you have any other concerns feel free to ask me, I will be happy to help you. Regards, Dr. Valentina Romero.