Shoulder replacement

Shoulder replacement

Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged part of the shoulder joint is removed and then replaced by prosthetic or artificial implants. The shoulder replacement surgery is needed for patients with arthritis pain or to cure extreme damages to the shoulder joints.

Cause of Shoulder Injuries needing surgery

Cause of Shoulder Injuries needing surgery

Numerous conditions can cause shoulder injuries that direct patients to consider Shoulder replacement surgery

  • Communited fracture of proximal humerus
  • Severe Osteoarthritis of shoulder
  • Avascular necrosis of shoulder

Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries needing surgery

Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries needing surgery

The common symptoms of a shoulder consist of:

  • Continuous pain and numbness
  • Physically visible shoulder slip in case of shoulder dislocation
  • Complete shoulder movement lock
  • Numbness of the arm
  • Swelling and bruising around the shoulder

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

A person’s history with shoulder is an important aspect of the diagnosis. A detailed physical examination includes comparing the shoulder position to another one.

The Physical examination is followed by:

  • X-Rays
  • MRI – to find out significant tissue stretch and tear

Shoulder Replacement treatment

Shoulder Replacement treatment

Shoulder replacement surgery is a major operation. The surgery may take one to three hours depending totally upon the severity of the injury.

The procedure starts with giving anesthesia. Then the surgery is performed by making an incision over the shoulder that will expose the shoulder joint. Particular instruments are used to cut the damaged humeral head (ball) and prepare the bone for the implant. The new implant are then inserted at the place. If the socket is also damaged then the damaged surface is smoothed and the new implant isplaced.

After the implants are placed, the incision is closed and covered with dressings. A total rest is recommended after the surgery. Immobilization of the shoulder for at least 18-20 hrs is necessary. After it a guided gentle therapy is started to regain the motion along with other medications and pain killers.

Recovery after Shoulder Replacement

Recovery after Shoulder Replacement

The full recovery takes weeks and depends totally upon other tissue damages and physiotherapy.Physiotherapy helps in regaining the full range motion by strengthening the shoulder muscles. It could take up to 6 six months for the shoulder to cure. A full range of the motion can take up to a year.

Precautions are necessary as to not put pressure on the shoulder after the surgery. Remember, the implants are placed to provide functioning and could not be thought as of the total replacements of the natural tissues and bones. The precautions are not limited to, but necessarily include:

  • Not lifting, pushing or puling heavy objects
  • Avoiding intense shoulder activities like hammering
  • Not doing certain exercises that put weight on the shoulders
  • Not playing Certain sports that include full shoulder and pressure movement like bowling
  • Avoiding sleeping for long putting weight on shoulders

 A lifelong physiotherapy (initially guided and then adapted) is necessary. Proper nutrition and regular follow-ups are also necessary part of the after surgery life.

Dr. Parth Agrawal is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper limb treatments like Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Dr. ParthAgrawal isavailable at The Upper Limb Clinic, Thane.

The Upper Limb Clinic, Thane west, is dedicated clinic for all diseases related to Knee, Hand, Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist. Contact us today for Shoulder Replacement Surgery to get better and accurate treatment.