Like all other joint replacement procedures, shoulder replacement surgery is done to address issues like persistent pain that is not controlled by non-surgical therapy. Poor shoulder motion may also be a reason for replacement surgery.
Patients with arthritis typically describe a deep ache within the shoulder joint. Initially, the pain feels worse with movement and activity, and eases with rest.
As the arthritis progresses, the pain may occur even when you rest. By the time a patient sees a physician for the shoulder pain, he or she often has pain at night. This pain may be severe enough to prevent a good night's sleep.
The patient's shoulder may make grinding or grating noises when moved. Or the shoulder may catch, grab, clunk or lock up. Over time, the patient may notice loss of motion and/or weakness in the affected shoulder. Simple daily activities like reaching into a cupboard, dressing, toileting and washing the opposite armpit may become increasingly difficult.
Summarized Common symptoms of shoulder arthritis include:
Pain with activities
Limited range of motion
Stiffness of the shoulder
Swelling of the joint
Tenderness around the joint
A feeling of grinding or catching within the joint
Shoulder Resurfacing
This is an advanced technique and an excellent alternative to total shoulder replacement surgery. Unlike replacement, this option involves removal of practically no bone and is bone conserving. There is much less tissue damage and rehabilitation is faster and better.
The reconstitution of the arthritic shoulder joint is much closer to normal after this operation. This is difficult to achieve with replacement surgery. Hence results of resurfacing are much better in terms of range of movement and function. Since small implants are used with less bone removal, it is easy to revise if ever required.
Why It Is Done?
Doctors recommend joint replacement surgery when shoulder pain and loss of function become severe, and medications and other treatments no longer relieve pain. Your doctor will use X-rays to look at the bones and cartilage in your shoulder to see whether they are damaged and to make sure that the pain isn't coming from somewhere else.
The artificial shoulder allows a person to do ordinary daily activities with less pain. It does not restore the same level of function that the person had before the damage to the shoulder joint began.
Advantages of Shoulder Joint Replacement?
Most people have much less pain after shoulder replacement surgery and are able to do many of their daily activities more easily.
The surgery will allow you to do more of your normal activities without pain.
Activities like golfing, riding a bike, swimming, walking for exercise, dancing, and cross-country skiing can be resumed (if you did these activities before surgery).
The younger you are when you have the surgery, and the more stress you put on the joint, the more likely it is that you will eventually need a second surgery to replace the first artificial joint. Over time, the components wear down or may loosen and need to be replaced.
Your artificial joint should last longer if you do not do hard physical work or play sports that stress the joint. If you are older than 60 when you have joint replacement surgery, the artificial joint will probably last the rest of your life.
Am I a Good Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Patients who have tried the usual treatments for shoulder arthritis, but have not been able to find adequate relief, may be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. Patients considering the procedure should understand that the goal of joint replacement is to alleviate pain. Patients generally find improved motion after surgery, but these improvements are not as consistent as the pain relief following shoulder replacement surgery.
What is the Procedure for Shoulder Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement involves surgery to replace the ends of bones in a damaged joint. This surgery creates new joint surfaces.
During surgery, a three- to four-inch incision is made along the space between the arm and the collarbone. The procedure lasts about 90 minutes and the incision is then closed with staples or stitches Surgeons do most joint replacement surgeries using regional anesthesia
In shoulder replacement surgery, doctors replace the ends of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and usually the shoulder bone (scapula) or cap them with artificial surfaces lined with plastic or metal and plastic. Shoulder joint components may be held in place with cement, or they may be made with material that allows new bone to grow into the joint component over time to hold it in place without cement.
How long will I stay in the Hospital for shoulder replacement surgery?
Hospital stays for this surgery is 05 days for most patients. You will be sent home wearing a sling and you should not attempt to use the arm except as specifically instructed by your doctor.
What To Expect After Surgery?
Right after surgery
When you wake up from surgery, you will have a bandage on your shoulder You may also have a compression sleeve on your arm, which squeezes your arm to keep the blood circulating and to help prevent blood clots. You will also receive medications to control pain,
A physical therapist may begin gentle exercises of your shoulder on the day of surgery or the day after.
Most people who have shoulder replacement surgery are able to sit up and get out of bed with some help later on the day of surgery.
The first few days
You will probably still be taking some medication. You will gradually take less and less pain medication.
A physical therapist will move your arm for you to keep your shoulder loose as it heals. The therapist will also show you some simple exercises to keep the muscles of your other arm and your legs strong.It is very important that you do it.
The main goal of rehab is to allow you to move your shoulder as far as possible so it's easier for you to do daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and driving. It is very important that you take part in physical therapy both while you are in the hospital and after you are released from the hospital to get the most benefit from your surgery.
Continued Recovery
Once you reach back home, you will have an exercise program to follow, even if you are still having physical therapy. Sticking to your exercise program will help speed your recovery.
Rehabilitation generally continues after you leave the hospital until you are able to function more independently and you have recovered as much strength, endurance, and mobility in your shoulder as you can.
Usually within two to three months, patients are able to return to most normal activities and place an emphasis on strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and maintaining range of motion.