Shoulder Joint Replacement

• What is shoulder replacement? (Overview)

Shoulder replacement, sometimes called shoulder arthroplasty, is a complex procedure that removes damaged areas of bone and replaces them with artificial parts made of metal and plastic (implants).

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Damage to the joint can cause pain, weakness and stiffness. The procedure is meant to relieve pain, improve strength, increase range of motion and enable you to use your shoulder and arm.

• Why it is done?

Shoulder replacement surgery is an option given to patients who suffer from joint dysfunction. Generally, all other modes of treatment, such as physical therapy and medications, are considered first before surgery.

Conditions that can damage the joint include:

-Osteoarthritis. Also known as wear and tear arthritis.

-Rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint.

-Fractures. Fractures of the upper end of the humerus may require replacement.

-Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. These diseases are caused by an overactive immune system.

-Osteonecrosis. Some types of shoulder conditions can affect blood flow to the humerus causing it to collapse.

• What are types of shoulder replacements?

Depending on the type of joint damage, your surgeon will have a conversation with you regarding what type of shoulder replacement you may need.

Partial shoulder replacement.

Only the head (ball) of the joint is replaced.

Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement.

Both the ball and the socket are replaced.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Both the ball and the socket are replaced, but the implants are reversed. This option typically is preferred if the rotator cuff is severely damaged.

• What are the risks?

Potential complications of shoulder replacement surgery include:

-Infection. Infection can occur at the incision site or in the deeper tissue.

-Dislocation. The ball of the new joint can come out of the socket.

-Nerve injury. Nerve injury can cause numbness, weakness and pain.

– Other prosthesis problems. Shoulder replacement components are mostly durable; however, they may loosen or become worn over time.

• How to prepare for shoulder replacement surgery?

Unless there is an emergency, your surgery will be scheduled in advance. This will give you enough time to prepare and plan for any special help you might need following discharge from the hospital.

Also, you’ll meet with the surgeon for pre-operative evaluation of your symptoms, physical examination, and an x-ray and CT of your shoulder joint.

Member of the care team will assess your fitness for surgery. You’ll be asked about your medical history, your medicines and whether you use tobacco. Tobacco interferes with healing.

You should discontinue use of any anti-inflammatory medication, including aspirin, one week before surgery unless instructed otherwise.

A series of pre-operative tests will be scheduled one to two weeks before surgery. They usually include: some blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG) that evaluates the electrical activity of the heart and a visit with a healthcare provider to make sure you are medically cleared to undergo surgery.

Shoulder replacement can be done as an outpatient procedure but on average, you will be staying one night in the hospital after surgery to make sure your pain is well managed and you’re medically stable before leaving the hospital.

• What to expect?

Before the procedure

Follow your surgeon’s directions about eating, bathing and taking medications the day before and the day of surgery.

During the procedure

A team member will talk with you about how you’ll be sedated for surgery. Most people get general anesthesia and a nerve block. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

After the procedure

After surgery, you’ll rest in a recovery area for a short time. X-rays will be obtained. Then you will likely be able to go home the same day.

Your shoulder will swell and hurt. Your doctor will prescribe drugs to help you manage the pain. Cold compresses can help control the swelling.

At first, your arm will be in a brace to keep it from moving. Within a day or so, you’ll start physical therapy to get your arm and your new shoulder working.

In the year after the surgery, you’ll have several follow-up visits with your doctor so they can see how your recovery is going.

• Doctors and Departments

-Departments that treat this condition

-Doctors who treat this condition