Revision Shoulder Replacement Surgeon in Redwood City, CA
Persistent pain, infection, stiffness, weakness, instability, hardware loosening, malposition or fracture after a total shoulder replacement may necessitate revision surgery. Dr. Cheung provides expert diagnosis and individualized nonoperative and operative treatments for the shoulder including revision shoulder replacement in Redwood City, CA. Dr. Cheung also provides the highest level of care during and after surgery. Contact Dr. Cheung's office for an appointment today!
Persistent pain, weakness, or instability after shoulder replacement deserves a careful evaluation. Revision surgery is surgery on a shoulder that already has an implant. The first step is to understand the source of the problem and whether another operation is likely to help.
Dr. Emilie V. Cheung is a Stanford shoulder and elbow surgeon whose clinical and research interests include complex revision surgery and complications after shoulder reconstruction. She evaluates patients in Redwood City, in Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area.
What the evaluation considers
Symptoms can arise from implant problems, changes in the surrounding tendons or bone, infection, stiffness, or other causes. Your consultation considers when symptoms began, the original operation, previous treatment, examination findings, and imaging. Additional testing is individualized.
Why previous records matter
Bring the operative report, implant manufacturer and model information, prior imaging, and any records of infection testing or previous revision surgery. These records help the team understand the existing reconstruction and plan further evaluation.
Does every painful replacement need revision
No. Pain after replacement does not automatically mean another operation is appropriate. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, the condition of the implant and surrounding tissues, your health, and the expected benefit and risk of further surgery.
Could an anatomic replacement be converted to reverse
Conversion may be considered in some situations, but the choice depends on the reason the replacement is failing and the condition of the shoulder. Whether any existing components can be retained also depends on their fixation, position, compatibility, and the surgical plan.
How recovery differs
Revision surgery can require a different recovery plan from a first replacement. Bone loss, tendon problems, infection treatment, and the extent of reconstruction can change restrictions and rehabilitation. Your team will explain the plan that applies to your procedure.
Questions to ask
- What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- What additional evaluation is needed before deciding on surgery?
- What would be revised, and could any components be retained?
- What improvement is realistic, and what risks are specific to my case?
Request an Appointment for Revision Shoulder Evaluation. Learn about second opinions and reverse shoulder replacement.
