Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Description
Total shoulder replacement is indicated for someone with an arthritic shoulder, that has failed all non-operative treatment and the pain is affecting one’s quality of life. Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement requires intact rotator cuff tendons. This surgery replaces the damaged or diseased head of the humerus (also called the ball) and cartilage from the shoulder joint with a metal and plastic joint.
Once a patient has failed non-operative treatment, the next step is a total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of shoulder replacement is to relieve pain and restore the ability to maintain independence in daily activities. Your shoulder has become damaged by arthritis or injury which often results in shoulder pain and/or discomfort, stiffness, swelling, weakness and limited motion. It is often difficult to perform simple activities such as dressing or lifting due to joint pain.
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Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
What is Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Preparation
To begin, you’re given medicine to put you to sleep or to make you feel numb and relaxed. The surgeon makes a cut to get to your joint. The head of your upper arm bone is removed. That’s the “ball” of your shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint.
Implants placed
Now, the surgeon smooths and reshapes your shoulder socket. An artificial socket is fitted into place. Then, the end of your arm bone is reshaped. A metal stem is put into this bone, and a ball is placed on the stem. Finally, the ball is put into the new socket. Your shoulder joint is tested to make sure it works properly. Then, your incision is closed.
End of procedure
After the surgery, you’re watched in a recovery room. Follow your surgeon’s instructions as you heal.
Benefits of Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Outcomes of a Total Shoulder Replacement
■ 90-95% successful in taking away pain.
■ On average patients can elevate their arm to
about 140 degrees.
■ 90% of total shoulders are still in place at 10
years and 85% are still in place at 15 years.
■ It can take from three to six months for the
shoulder to heal.
■ Regaining full strength and range of motion
can take up to a year.
Post-Surgical Recovery Process
Click here to read more about the full surgical and recovery process.
