Main Menu

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain and mobility loss. Shoulder joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is performed to replace a shoulder joint with artificial components (prostheses). This restores the function and comfort to shoulders when the joint is severely damaged by degenerative joint diseases as arthritis or in complex cases of upper arm bone fracture.
Shoulder-bones-and-muscles-illustration

Details of Procedures:

The shoulder joint replacement surgery is exclusively designed to treat:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid and Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Failed shoulder replacement surgery
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (a combination of severe arthritis and a massive non-reparable rotator cuff tendon tear)

Facts and figures

  • The first total shoulder replacement surgery was performed by Péan a French surgeon in 1893 and started in the USA in the 1950s. Currently, 23,000 people undergo shoulder replacement surgery each year in the USA.
  • Shoulder replacement surgery is relatively less common compared to hip and knee replacement surgery.

Implants

  • Humeral component–It replaces the head of the humerus. It is usually made of cobalt or chromium-based alloys and has a rounded ball attached to a stem to insert into the bone. It comes in various sizes and may consist of a single piece or a modular unit.
  • Glenoid component– Made of very high-density polyethylene, it replaces the glenoid cavity. The 100% polyethylene type is more common compared to other models featuring a metal tray.

Advantages

  • This surgery relieves chronic pain and implants last for 15-20 years.
  • There are significantly fewer complications. “No fatalities associated with shoulder replacement are reported,” says a published study, Science Daily (Mar. 27, 2007)
  • Inexpensive than hip or knee replacement.
  • Quick recovery(3 to 4 days)

Disadvantages

  • Dislocation of implants may call for revision surgery.
  • Shoulder stiffness may occur post-surgery.

Preoperative Preparation

  • Physical examination
  • Blood and urinalysis
  • Diagnostic tests- x-ray or MRI
  • Get a clear medicinal prescription.
  • Inform about smoking and drinking habits.
  • Plan for leave from work and house help during postoperative rehabilitation.
  • Wear breathable clothes on the day of surgery.
  • Don’t consume anything after midnight

Post operative care

  • The operated arm is placed in a sling, and a support pillow is positioned under the elbow to protect the repair everyday for 4 to 6 weeks in a row.
  • The physiotherapist starts a gentle passive-assisted range of motion exercises related to the use of a pulley device to help bend and extend the operated arm.
  • Most patients resume eating, dressing, and grooming within 2 weeks post-surgery.
Contact Us