What is procedure and complications about Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Total shoulder arthroplasty or total shoulder replacement is a treatment method for reducing stiffness and pain in the shoulder. The fundamental goal of the procedure is to get relief from pain and improve strength, motion, and function of the wounded region. After getting a full recovery, a person can go back to playing swimming, golf, tennis, exercising and performing daily activities normally.

Know about Shoulder Replacement Surgeries 

The surgeon focuses on replacing the bone in the socket and the ball of the shoulder joint. In this course, a plastic or metal is chosen to be used in the surgical procedure. As it is a major operation, the patients need to stay at the hospital for a couple of days. Post surgery period requires physical therapy for gaining the functionality again.

There are various types of shoulder replacement surgery and the medical professional only chooses the appropriate one after assessing the health condition.

Stemmed Hemiarthroplasty

Based on the shoulder condition, the surgeon may advise replacing the ball only and the procedure is known as a hemiarthroplasty. Here, the top portion of the humerus restores with stem and metal ball. The method is known as stemmed Hemiarthroplasty and it is applied when the head of the humerus is fractured. However, it is to note that the socket needs to remain in its regular position.

Arthritis, severely damaged rotator cuff tendons and weak bone located in glenoid are the reasons for going with this surgery. Nevertheless, the patients receive better relief for pain after undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty than hemiarthroplasty.

Total Shoulder Replacement

This procedure requires the replacement of arthritic joint surface along with metal (completely polished) ball added to plastic stock and stem. The parts are available in different sizes and to cement in the bone. Nonetheless, the good quality bone only needs press-fit or non-cemented part. When the bone is a soft condition, the humeral part insert with bone cement.

But it is important to remember that insertion of the glenoid part cannot be performed during,

• Glenoid with decent cartilage
• Rotator cuff tendons are beyond torn

Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty

This shoulder replacement surgery includes the replacement of joint surface of the top portion of the humerus without a stem. A cap-like prosthesis is applied in the procedure and the patient is given the preserving benefit. This procedure is applicable if the patient goes through these stages,

• Need for preserving humeral bone
• No new fracture of humeral head or neck
• Glenoid has a decent cartilage surface

Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty is ideal for the people who are young and active on a daily basis. There are lesser chances of facing loosening and part wear. These risks have links to the total shoulder replacement.

Also, there is a reverse total shoulder replacement which is suitable for a person going through a damaged rotator cuff.  Only when the shoulder replacement surgery does not work out, this is the option.

Complications in Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Majority of the patients return to daily routine and gain full motion after going through shoulder replacement surgery. However, there are complications that overtake few of the surgical procedures. Before undergoing the operation, it is important to gather knowledge of the complications.

Prosthesis Issues

The surgical technique along with prosthesis materials and designs are rapidly advancing, the prosthesis can wear down over the course of time. Additionally, the components also may loosen with continuous use.

The parts of the shoulder replacement are susceptible to dislocate. Therefore, beware of the signs of dislocation, loosening and excess wear are needs to taken care of after the surgical procedure.

Growing Infection

Infection is one of the common risks of every infection and the shoulder arthroplasty may develop deep wound surrounding the prosthesis. This problem can occur at the hospital or after returning from the surgical center. Furthermore, the problem may take place many years after the operation,

Antibiotics can treat the minor infections but the major or deep infections need the elimination of prosthesis. You should never avoid the infection because the infection may spread all over your body.

Nerve Injury

Nerves are located around the wounded shoulder joint and during the shoulder replacement operation; there is a high chance of damaging the nerves. This type of injury is not frequent but it can recover over the course of time.

Damaged rotator cuff, a severe degree of arthritis and critical shoulder wound or broken shoulder – these are the common reasons for undergoing a shoulder replacement surgery. After going through the operation, you are free of pain and can move the arm back and forward, circularly or up and down with ease. The orthopaedic surgeon advises a set of tests such as x-ray and MRI scan for evaluating how the surgery will be beneficial for your health.

JaipurJoints is leading clinic in India for hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgery. Here you will get best orthopedic services and clinical facility.