Surgery for Shoulder Replacement: Objectives, Process, and Healing Timeline
In the realm of orthopaedic surgery, shoulder replacement is a common procedure designed to alleviate pain and improve functionality for individuals suffering from various conditions. This article aims to provide a clear and concise understanding of shoulder replacement surgery, its common indications, and the recovery process.
Shoulder replacement surgery involves the removal of damaged parts of the shoulder and their replacement with prosthetic implants. The procedure typically takes around 2 hours and is performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. After the surgery, the surgical team will place staples to hold the wound together, with a surgeon removing these approximately 2 weeks after the procedure.
Common conditions that may necessitate shoulder replacement surgery include shoulder arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe shoulder fractures, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and failed previous shoulder surgeries. Arthritis, whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage, leading to bone rubbing and joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that causes destruction of shoulder joint tissues. Severe shoulder fractures can cause significant joint damage or dysfunction, while rotator cuff tear arthropathy is arthritis that develops after a rotator cuff tear, leading to joint damage requiring replacement. Failed previous surgeries may leave the joint damaged or dysfunctional, necessitating replacement.
Other causes of shoulder pain such as tendon tears, impingement, tendonitis, bursitis, and overuse injuries can contribute to the progression towards surgery if they lead to severe joint damage or loss of function.
Shoulder replacement is usually recommended after conservative treatments (physical therapy, medications, injections) have failed to relieve pain or improve function, especially when arthritis or structural damage severely impairs quality of life. The surgery aims to relieve pain, restore range of motion and strength, and improve daily function.
Total shoulder replacement surgery may improve pain in 90% of cases for people with osteoarthritis, 70-80% of cases for people with avascular necrosis, and 50-60% of cases for people with rotator cuff tear arthropathy. After the surgery, a person will wear a sling on the affected arm for 2-6 weeks and cannot drive during that time. Most people can get out of bed and eat solid food the day after surgery.
Gentle exercises are essential during the recovery process, and a person should avoid soaking the wound until it has thoroughly sealed and dried. The prognosis for shoulder replacement surgery is generally positive, with many individuals experiencing significant pain relief and improved functionality following the procedure. As with any surgery, there are potential complications, including infection, damage to blood vessels or nerves, shoulder instability, shoulder stiffness, tear of the rotator cuff tendon, periprosthetic fractures, loosening or dislocation of prosthetic components, and erosion of the glenoid. However, with proper care and rehabilitation, these risks can be minimised.
- In the field of musculoskeletal surgeries, shoulder replacement procedures are commonly performed to alleviate pain and enhance functionality in senior patients dealing with various medical-conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Science and technology have significantly contributed to the development of surgical procedures, enabling orthopaedic surgeons to replace damaged shoulder parts with prosthetic implants in seniors.
- The recovery process post shoulder replacement surgery requires rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion, with exercises playing a crucial role in facilitating this progress.
- Despite the positive prognosis associated with total shoulder replacement surgery, potential complications include infection, damage to blood vessels or nerves, shoulder instability, stiffness, rotator cuff tendon tear, periprosthetic fractures, loosening or dislocation of prosthetic components, and glenoid erosion.
- Chronic diseases, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause degenerative changes in the shoulder joint, necessitating surgical intervention, while health-and-wellness activities, such as gentle exercises during recovery, can aid in minimizing post-surgery complications and promoting optimal healing.
