Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I am going to Fletcher Allen to see Dr. Shaferon for a second opinion of a shoulder replacement I have arthritis and bone spurs in my left shoulder and it is very painful and getting worst. I have heard this is a major operation. Can you tell me a little bit about it how long I wil be in the hospital and how long it will take me before I can do anything. I am from CVPH in Plattsburgh and see Dr. Mullligan thank you
[|AI|]  Hi, thank you for providing the brief history of you. A thorough neuromuscular and musculoskeletal assessment is advised along with MRI of shoulder joint. As you have been told for a shoulder joint replacement, this is the very less performed or planned replacement. Also, the decision of the orthopedic surgeon is totally depending upon the clinical signs and symptoms along with the bone strength. Prior to shoulder joint replacement one needs to understand the basic requirements of the post surgery progress. As the line of action in any musculoskeletal injury is as follows - medication, physical therapy, steroid, physical therapy.  If this line of action fails then a surgery is planned. Prior to surgery there are measures need to be taken - the muscles of the supporting joints should be in grade 4+ as post surgery the muscle strength Chat Doctor.  Also, this surgery or any surgery is a major one, but if the proper pathways are taken than surgery might not be needed or the post surgery recovery is outstanding. As mentioned, I will recommend undergoing physical therapy, no matter it may take a little longer but physical therapy can help you regain the strength in the muscles and also may help to avoid surgery. Also, if you are planning to undergo the surgery make sure you have a good range of motion of the shoulder joint and also good muscle Strength of grade 4+. As post surgery this will make a difference in your recovery process. As per my clinical experience, most surgery cases of the shoulder joints are discarded as physical therapy has helped to the maximum. Proper assessment and planning can help avoid the surgeries to the greater extent. Always to understand that this original joint is the original and artificial is artificial. The choice is always left to patient. RegardsJay In