Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Patients with chronic Shoulder Pain and arthritis, not controlled with conservative management, will need a Shoulder surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery involves removal of the damaged part of the shoulder joint and replacing that with metal alloys and smooth plastic polymer lining. The artificial joint provides a pain-free mobile joint. Replaced shoulder behaves as a normal shoulder in terms of movement once the initial post-surgery stiffness of the muscles settle.

Conditions:

Osteoarthritis: Advanced stages of shoulder arthritis with severe pain, limitation of mobility affecting the daily activities would warrant a shoulder replacement. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Persistent shoulder pain in spite of good control of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the activities of daily living warrant a shoulder replacement. 

Rotator Cuff Arthropathy: Chronic rotator cuff tear leads to secondary arthritis of the shoulder joint. That type of arthritis would need reverse shoulder replacement surgery. 

Indications: 

• Persistent pain
• Night pain
• Limited mobility due to pain
• Difficulty with activities of daily living due to stiffness and pain

Risks:

Any surgery would involve certain risks however the risks with the shoulder replacement are low.

Fracture: During the surgery there is a small risk of fracture of the bone around the site of implants. Small fractures usually heal. Larger fractures though rare, may need further fixation with plates or wires. 

Infection: Risk of infection is low with the advanced techniques and improvised theatre environment. Infection if picked up early, are likely to respond to antibiotics. In some instances it may need further washout or even removal of the implant. 

Nerve Damage: Rare, but can lead to numbness or weakness down the arm. In most patients, that recovers within 3 months.  

Stiffness: Stiffness of the muscles is common post-surgery and needs good physiotherapy support. 

Loosening of the implants: This is expected to happen in some patients usually after 10-15 years post-surgery. If it becomes painful, then you may need a revision knee replacement surgery.

Preparing for the surgery

A good control of medical conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure is required. In addition to that a thorough check up by the physician and advice regarding the dosage of the medications and any alterations to that the days before and after the surgery needs to be taken. Stopping smoking is necessary as smoking affects the healing of the surgical wound.

Day of the surgery

The surgery is either performed under general anaesthesia, where you will be put to sleep during the surgery. The surgical time is about 1.5 hours. Post-surgery, you can expect to see a large dressing around your shoulder.

Surgery
The surgery is performed with a cut on the front of the shoulder which will be around 8cm long. The joint is replaced with the socket and stem on the humoral side, a ball-like structure on the scapular side. The socket will have a smooth polymer structure. 

Post-Surgery

Post-surgery, you can expect rehabilitation to start early. On day 1, physiotherapists will ask you to move your wrists and hands. You will be in an arm pouch for about 6 weeks for the soft tissue to heal. However, you will be allowed to start basic shoulder movements after 4 weeks. A stay of 2 to 4 days in hospital is expected. You can expect to move your shoulder comfortably by around 2 months.

Best Total Shoulder Replacement in Bangalore