If non-surgical therapy such as drugs and activity adjustments are no longer effective in reducing discomfort, shoulder joint replacement surgery may be an option. 

This section will help you learn more about shoulder joint replacement surgery, whether you are just starting to look at treatment choices or have already made a decision.

The shoulder is one of the body’s largest and most complicated joints. Like a ball and socket, the humerus (upper arm bone) inserts into the scapula (shoulder blade) to form the shoulder joint. The following bones are crucial in the shoulder:The scapula’s acromion is a bony protrusion., In the acromioclavicular joint, the clavicle (collarbone) meets the acromion. The coracoid process is a bony projection from the scapula that looks like a hook.

Articular cartilage is a smooth layer that covers the surfaces of the bones where they touch, protecting them while allowing them to move freely. All remaining surfaces inside the shoulder joint are covered by a fibrous capsule, which is a thin, smooth tissue. This membrane produces a little amount of fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction in a healthy shoulder.

The muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder give stability and support. All of these elements work together to allow the shoulder to move freely.

For a variety of reasons, your doctor recommended shoulder replacement surgery. The following traits are common in surgical patients:

• Severe shoulder pain that makes reaching into a cabinet, dressing, using the toilet, or washing clothing difficult.
• Pain during rest ranges from mild to severe. This discomfort could keep you awake at night.
• Shoulder soreness, weakness, or range of motion loss.
• Anti-orthopaedic medicines, cortisone injections, and/or physical therapy have all failed to appreciably improve the condition.

To determine whether you require shoulder replacement surgery, you, your family, your family physician, and your orthopaedic surgeon should all collaborate.

Shoulder replacement surgery requires a great deal of skill. Your surgeon will discuss the types of shoulder replacements that you may require with you. There are four possibilities:

Hemiarthroplasty: This operation just replaces the ball and stem. The ball is attached to the stem, which articulates with your natural socket.

Comprehensive Shoulder Arthroplasty: This is a bone-preserving form of total shoulder arthroplasty in which the metallic ball is joined to the upper arm without a stem.

Reverse Complete Shoulder Replacement: In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the joint is reversed, with a metal ball replacing the glenoid socket and a prosthesis replacing the glenoid socket.

Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty: This procedure includes replacing the humeral head’s joint surface with a cap-like prosthesis that does not have a stem.

Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement: The arthritic joint is replaced by a perfectly reflective metal object affixed to a stem on the humeral side and a plastic cup on the humeral head socket.

Pain alleviation, greater range of motion, and enhanced function are all benefits of this treatment.

The following are some general instructions:

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when driving. You will, however, require a driver to transport you home when you are discharged.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than a glass of water.
• Stop carrying large objects.
• Return to active arm movement within pain tolerancregularlyhysical therapist’s and other healthcare experts’ instructions for home exercises. Take care not to overdo it!
• Push yourself up from a bed or chair without using your surgical arm.
• Don’t undertake any hard lifting regularly. Playing contact sports is not a good idea.
• For the first six weeks after surgery, avoid putting your arm in any “extreme position.” Extending your arm straight out to the side or behind your back is an example.

If you still have any queries. Book an appointment with us to know more.