Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Though shoulder replacement is less likely, in case of no relief with non surgical treatment for the pain causing disability of the shoulder joint your orthopedic surgeon after thorough examination advises for the shoulder replacement.

In case of shoulder replacement the worn out or damaged part of the joint is removed and replaced with artificial component known as prosthesis. Depending on the damage to the joint either only the ball or both ball and socket will be replaced.

Primary causes for damage to the Shoulder joint:

Osteoathritis:

It is a condition caused due to degeneration of the cartilage, wherein the cartilage wear and tear occurs. Due to this the joints experience friction and it becomes stiff and painful.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis also known as inflammatory arthritis affects and damages the cartilage causing inflammation leading to pain and disability of the joint.

Post Traumatic Arthritis:

Fractures of the bones or injury to the tendons and ligaments that make up the shoulder might cause damage to the cartilage there by inducing pain and restricting the movements of the shoulder. In some cases fractures can be severe such that blood supply is interrupted and the orthopedician recommends for shoulder replacement. Rotator cuff tear arthropathy and Avascular Necrosis are some conditions which cause disability for the movement of shoulder.

Who need Shoulder Replacement?

Orthopedic surgeon considers various reasons before recommending you to undergo the shoulder replacement when non surgical treatments do not yield any improvement.

• Sharp pain in the shoulder that restricts the daily activities like opening/closing closets, dressing, washing or any activity which needs movement with the shoulder.
• Severe pain whilst sleeping or in resting position causing sleeping disorders.
• Restricting the movement and weakness of the shoulder.

Know more about Pre-operative, surgery and post operative for Shoulder Replacement

Pre-operative:

Patient needs to get assessed for complete health and consult the anesthetist before the surgery

Your doctor advises for the following tests

- Major Surgical Profile

- Cardiac screening

- Pre Anesthetic checkup

Orthopedic surgeon evaluates all the test reports and details how the shoulder replacement can relieve pain in the shoulder and improve functionality. Patient needs to give information regarding medication for any other kind of health issues patient is experiencing. In case of few medications like blood thinners, patient might be advised to stop taking them prior to the surgery. Orthopedic surgeon prepares the patient to be in best health condition before the surgery.

Surgery:

The patient is advised not to take anything by mouth 6 hours prior to the surgery. The surgical procedure takes around one hour.

A cut is made above the Shoulder and depending on the damage to the joint either only ball or socket or both will be removed. Also the components or prosthesis are chosen based on the quality of the bone of the patient, extent of injury. After the components are fixed, the alignment, range of movement, stability in flexion and extension of the shoulder is thoroughly checked.

Post–Operative:

The patient can have normal diet; the pain is managed with the help anti inflammatory medication and few antibiotics to avoid infections. Physiotherapy is advised on the same day so that it promotes the blood flow to the new tissues and facilitates in faster recovery. Once the pain is manageable you can start moving the shoulder and perform daily routine activities. Orthopedician will suggest the patient to wear sling to support your shoulder for a couple of weeks after the surgery. Physiotherapy and exercise will help the patient to regain strength and movement.

Do's and Don'ts Post surgery:

• Do not strain the operated shoulder to perform activities which might require contraction of muscles like using the shoulder to pull yourself from the bed, lifting heavier objects (Should not life anything heavier than a glass of water).
• Patient need to follow an exercise plan and follow it for a couple of months but should not over do the same.
• Do not play any contact sports or an activity which involves heavy lifting, involvement of shoulder movement.
• Strictly avoid extreme movement of the shoulder joint.