Total Shoulder Replacement
What is total shoulder replacement?
Total shoulder replacement, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, is the removal of portions of the shoulder joint,
which are replaced with artificial implants to reduce pain and restore range of rotation and mobility. It is very successful for treating the
severe pain and stiffness caused by end-stage arthritis.
Why might I need a total shoulder replacement?
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement surgery. People who benefit from surgery often have:
• Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities, such as reaching into a cabinet, dressing, toileting, and washing.
• Moderate to severe pain while resting. This pain may be severe enough to prevent a good night’s sleep.
• Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder.
• Failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and/or physical therapy.
What causes osteoarthritis of the shoulder?
Osteoarthritis of shoulder is less commonly seen as compared to knee and hip although the pain and debility are as bad.
• Age related wear and tear
• Connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
• Following severe shoulder injury (post-traumatic)
• Untreated, long-standing rotator cuff tear may develop cuff tear arthropathy where in due to lack of stabilising function of rotator cuff may lead to arthritis and destruction of the joint cartilage.
• Avascular necrosis, or osteonecrosis, is a painful condition that occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted. Osteonecrosis can ultimately cause destruction of the shoulder joint and lead to arthritis.
• Chronic steroid use, deep sea diving, severe fracture of the shoulder, sickle cell disease, and heavy alcohol use are all risk factors for avascular necrosis.
Doctor performs a comprehensive exam, considers your symptoms and activity levels, and reviews imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, to
diagnose osteoarthritis and determine if a shoulder replacement is right for you.
What should I expect during a total shoulder replacement?
You, your anesthesiologist, and your surgeon will discuss the type of anesthesia to be used. You may be provided a general anesthetic (you are asleep for the entire operation), a regional anesthetic (you may be awake but have no feeling around the surgical area), or a combination of both types.
He removes the damaged portions of the joint and creates a smooth surface on which to fix the implants that are customized to you. He uses a specialized bone cement or screws to attach the custom implants, ensures the new joint slides smoothly.
Following surgery, You are given an arm sling. A careful, well-planned rehabilitation program is critical to the success of a shoulder replacement. You usually start gentle physical therapy soon after the operation. Your surgeon or physical therapist will provide you with a home exercise program to
strengthen your shoulder and improve flexibility.
When you have severe pain, reduced a range of motion in your shoulder and weakness in your arm, it may be due to osteoarthritis of shoulder.
Contact Dr. Harsha C M or book an appointment online to take advantage of his diagnostic and treatment experience.