What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery is done to replace the original ball and socket joint of the shoulder that is most likely damaged. The joint is generally replaced with prosthetics to enable a better lifestyle without pain and restrictions. This surgery is also done to enhance the shoulder strength and improve the range of motion in the patient in the long run. Often termed shoulder arthroplasty, the surgery is of two types – the total shoulder replacement and the reverse shoulder replacement. The surgery’s impacts and efficiency extend up to 10 years, which is pretty great for the patient’s health, especially for one who suffers from osteoarthritis.

Why is it Done

Most of the patients undergoing or considering shoulder replacement surgery struggle with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that causes moderate to severe joint pain and discomfort.

You might have to undergo this surgery if:

• You are experiencing pain that is interfering with your routine activities
• You are experiencing pain that is preventing you from getting quality sleep
• You are experiencing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joints with a limited range of motion
• You aren’t getting distinguishing results from the non-surgical treatments

Aside from these common reasons, a person who has been in an accident, trauma, or a tumor in the shoulder joints might have to undergo surgery.

How is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Done

In the total or traditional shoulder replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon replaces the damaged or diseases humeral head of the shoulder with prosthetics. Alongside, the glenoid cavity in the shoulder is replaced with a plastic cup.

Generally, the first step to the surgery is anesthesia. The patient can either choose to get regional anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on what they deem the best for their health and well-being.

Once the anesthesia kicks in, the surgeon makes an incision between the deltoid and pectoral muscles to access the patient’s shoulder without damaging any nerves involved.

The front of the rotator cuff muscle is where the surgeon makes the incision to view and later manipulate the damaged parts of the shoulder. The damaged or arthritic sections are removed and replaced with metal or plastic prosthetics
using manual surgical procedures or computer-navigated surgeries that are available across hospitals in India.

The hollowed portion is then replaced with prosthetics, and the mobility of the same is checked before the incision is stitched back.

Once done, the outer part of the incision is cleaned and bandaged to prevent risks of infections.

How long does it take to Recovery from the Surgery

The recovery timeline is extensive, and you need to practice proper precautions to ensure that you don’t worsen the condition further.

Once the surgery is successfully done, the patient is generally wheeled into a recovery room till their anesthesia wears off. The day after the surgery is when the surgeon will advise getting some x-rays done to look into the treated area and the placement of the prosthetic.

Your shoulder will be immobilized in a sling till you heal and recover completely. As for the whole recovery timeline can take up to six months for you to be completely pain-free after the surgery and start getting back into the activities that involve more motion and mobility.

Patients generally start physical therapy within a day or two after the surgery. The main focus behind immediate physical therapy after the surgery is to restore the natural mobility of the arm and shoulder of the patient. Your physical therapist will work with you even after your discharge and teach you exercises that will eventually improve the flexibility of the implant in the shoulder.