as inflammatory arthritis. Other conditions like frozen shoulder, gout, tear in the muscles or tendons or shoulder dislocation could also serve as potential causes for chronic shoulder pain.
Suggestive treatment of shoulder joint pain includes medication and physical therapy to relieve the discomfort, but if these do not provide adequate relief one should consult with an orthopedic surgeon or a rheumatologist to get evaluated for a shoulder replacement procedure.
What is shoulder replacement surgery ?
A shoulder replacement surgery is a major surgical procedure where in a part or the complete shoulder joint is replaced by an artificial joint.
When do you have to consider shoulder replacement surgery as a treatment option for you ?
If you are constantly experiencing pain, discomfort, difficulty in moving the shoulder, weakness of the shoulders which is not relieved on change of pain medications and physical therapy, consultation with an orthopedic surgeon and a rheumatologist is suggested to evaluate the shoulder joint for a joint replacement procedure. The orthopedic surgeon who would conduct a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation including X-rays, CT and MRI scans to know the status of the joint and suggest a suitable treatment.
Will I be sleeping during the shoulder replacement surgery ?
The surgical procedure is performed under the influence of general anesthesia or regional anesthesia or a combination of both, with or without sedation.
What does the shoulder replacement surgery involve ?
The shoulder replacement surgery is also referred as total shoulder arthroplasty. Shoulder replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The damaged part of the shoulder joint is replaced by artificial implants also called as prosthesis. The procedure can either replace the head of the humerus or the glenoid or both. Advances in the medical science and improved surgical techniques have also developed Reverse shoulder replacement surgery. The procedure itself takes around three hours. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon exposes the shoulder joint and removes the head or uppermost part of the humerus or upper arm. He then recontours the shoulder bone by eliminating any damaged cartilage and/or bone from the glenoid fossa. After hollowing out a tunnel in the upper arm into which the stem of the implant fits, a metal ball is fitted over the stem which then fits into the glenoid cavity. This permits easy joint movement.
What are the types of shoulder replacement surgery and which one is best for me ?
Shoulder joint surgery can be categorized as follows.
- Partial replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)
- Total replacement (Total arthroplasty)
- Shoulder resurfacing
- Reverse anatomy arthroplasty, done in only very severe cases, in case of rotator cuff
damage.
Your orthopedic surgeon will choose the type of artificial prosthesis that best meets your needs.
How long will I take to use my shoulders again ?
Most probably, the surgery will require you to continue in bed on the day of your surgery. You will require this to recover from anesthesia as well as the effects of surgery. The patient is advised to move and use the hand and wrist soon after surgery. The elbow movement can be started within a few days after surgery. However, you will have use a shoulder splint for a period of two to four weeks. Use of the whole arm, including shoulder, for light activity can start at approximately six weeks after surgery. Free, vigorous use of the arm may begin within eight weeks after surgery. Driving can be started only after 2- 4 weeks of surgery. The recovery actually depends on the type of shoulder replacement and may vary from patient to patient.
Is my age going to affect the shoulder replacement surgery ?
Age is an important consideration, though it is not a problem. If you are in satisfactory health otherwise and have the wish to continue an active, productive then it is a good choice for you. You should check with your personal or orthopedic physician for his/her opinion.
How long do I have to stay in the hospital after shoulder replacement surgery ?
Most shoulder surgery patients will be in the hospital for an average of three to five days following a total shoulder replacement. This will be assessed if you can reach several goals before you are discharged. Ultimately, the doctors will decide, based on if you are having a safe recovery. This time can vary with each patient.
What is the success rate of shoulder replacement surgery ?
Shoulder replacement surgery is being performed lately with increased technological advances and has greatly relieved individuals from shoulder joint pain, restricted mobility, and discomfort leading to an improved quality of life. However, precautions need to be taken to avoid contact sports and extreme arm movements.
What care do I have to take after the shoulder replacement surgery ?
After the procedure the patient is usually kept under medical observation and physical therapy and exercises are initiated. Followed by a shoulder replacement surgical procedure the patients are asked to continue physical therapy and exercise for at least 4-6 weeks to initiate movement of the joint. The patients are instructed to not move the shoulder vigorously or lift any kind of heavy weight to avoid any dislocation of the implant and prevent post-surgical complications.
The shoulder replacement surgery definitely would entail a dedicated change in lifestyle and rehabilitative exercises to aid in the artificial joint movement. Your orthopedic surgeon will also advise you on the exercises and physical therapy to start immediately the day after surgery. You will need physiotherapy or physical therapy in your home or hospital for the initial six weeks after the surgery. The length of time necessary for physiotherapy varies with each patient and your doctor will make your schedule accordingly. Routine follow-up is advised, scheduled at first week, second week, six weeks, three months, six months and 12 months following your surgery.
Though shoulder replacements surgeries are not commonly performed but they are equally effective in improving the quality of life of the patients suffering with degenerative diseases or the ones suffering with long standing shoulder problems. Shoulder replacement surgery improves the range of motion of the shoulder, diminishes pain and discomfort and restores the normal function of the shoulder joint.
How to find and reach orthopedic surgeons for shoulder replacement surgery ?
Now you can find and reach orthopedic surgeons for shoulder replacement surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple orthopedic surgeons, get cost estimates for shoulder replacement surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose an orthopedic surgeon for shoulder replacement surgery.
Find, reach and choose an orthopedic surgeon for shoulder replacement surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
