What is shoulder replacement?
Shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to replace a damaged or diseased shoulder joint with artificial components. The surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint, including the humeral head (upper arm bone) and the glenoid (shoulder socket), and replacing them with prosthetic implants made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Shoulder replacement aims to relieve pain, improve function, and restore mobility in the shoulder joint, typically in cases of severe arthritis, fractures, or other conditions that cause significant shoulder joint degeneration.
What causes shoulder replacement?
Shoulder replacement may be recommended for individuals with chronic shoulder pain and disability caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis resulting from severe injury, avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone), or failed previous shoulder surgeries. These conditions can lead to progressive deterioration of the shoulder joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, weakness, and limited range of motion. Shoulder replacement surgery is considered when conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications no longer effectively manage symptoms.
Is shoulder replacement surgery necessary?
Shoulder replacement surgery becomes necessary when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief from pain and functional limitations caused by severe shoulder joint damage. It is typically recommended when the pain and disability significantly interfere with daily activities and quality of life, impeding mobility and independence. Shoulder replacement aims to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve the overall function of the shoulder joint, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life.
How is shoulder replacement done?
During shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision over the shoulder joint, removes the damaged humeral head and glenoid, and then implants the prosthetic components, including a metal stem inserted into the humerus, a metal or ceramic ball attached to the stem, and a plastic socket component inserted into the glenoid. The new components recreate the shoulder joint's structure, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain.
What's next after shoulder replacement surgery?
After shoulder replacement surgery, patients undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the shoulder joint. Physical therapy is typically prescribed to help restore function and improve range of motion. Pain management and adherence to postoperative instructions are crucial during this phase. Most patients experience significant improvement in pain and mobility within weeks to months after surgery, enabling them to return to normal activities with reduced discomfort and improved quality of life. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are necessary to monitor progress and address any concerns.
