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Jackson
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Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.
1725 Pine St.
Montgomery, AL 36106
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How is shoulder
pain diagnosed?
Shoulder pain is
diagnosed with a
combination of
medical history, a
physical exam and
radiographs. Sometimes special studies
such as a CT scan or an MRI may be
required.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Shoulder pain is treated in several
different ways, depending on the cause.
Usually conservative management is
initiated, which includes medications,
injections and physical therapy.
Will shoulder pain get better on its
own without surgery?
Shoulder pain may improve on its own
if it’s just inflammation, and conserva-
tive management can help speed up the
process. Often the underlying process
that causes the inflammation is still
there, and the pain may return.
Will physical therapy help the
pain if a patient chooses to not
have surgery?
Physical therapy can definitely help by
increasing the motion of the joint and
the strength of the surrounding muscles
Living with shoulder pain
A TALK WITH HUSSEIN TURKI, MD, ALABAMA ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS
WHEN SURGERY IS NEEDED
If a patient chooses to have surgery,
is there a threat of dislocation of the
shoulder after the surgery?
There is always a risk of dislocation
anytime we replace a joint, but surgical
technique and patient selection helps
minimize this.
What type of prosthesis do you use?
We generally use metal on metal, and
the implants are made of a cobalt/
chromium alloy.
How will the prosthesis be
attached to the remaining bone?
Is it cemented?
Most of the time the implants are
press-fit and no cementing is required.
How long are patients in the
hospital after a shoulder surgery?
On average, just two days.
When can a patient return to work?
It depends on the kind of work, but if
it’s sedentary desk work, usually after
two weeks. However, if it is something
more physical, it may be a couple
of months.
How long will it take to reach full
recovery?
Complete recovery may take a year,
but the patient usually feels better
each month, and is about 80 to
90 percent recovered in four to
six months.
and tendons. It should always be used as
an addition to any treatment plan.
What can a patient expect if he or
she needs surgery but chooses not
to have it?
Surgery is meant to remove or fix the
offending pathology that causes the
shoulder pain, be it arthritis or tears
in the cuff or labrum. Going without
surgery increases the chance for pain to
remain or progress.