What is a Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or painful shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals with severe shoulder joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injuries, or other degenerative joint diseases.
Types of Shoulder Replacements
There are several types of shoulder replacement procedures, including:
- Total Shoulder Replacement (Total Shoulder Arthroplasty): In this procedure, the entire shoulder joint is replaced with a prosthetic device. It consists of replacing the damaged humeral head (the ball) with a metal ball and the glenoid (the socket) with a plastic socket.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): In a hemiarthroplasty, only the humeral head is replaced with a metal ball, while the natural glenoid is retained. This procedure is often performed for specific fractures of the humeral head.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: This procedure is used when there are specific problems with the rotator cuff tendons. The ball and socket components of the shoulder are reversed, with the metal ball being attached to the scapula (shoulder blade) and the plastic socket attached to the humerus. This design allows other muscles to compensate for the damaged rotator cuff.
Shoulder replacement surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications are no longer effective in managing pain and improving function. The decision to undergo shoulder replacement is made after a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon who assesses the patient's overall health, medical history, and the severity of the shoulder condition.
Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery involves rehabilitation and physical therapy to help restore shoulder function and strength. The success of the surgery and the patient's ability to return to normal activities can vary depending on individual factors and the type of shoulder replacement performed.
As with any surgical procedure, shoulder replacement has potential risks and complications, so it's essential to have a detailed discussion with your orthopedic surgeon to understand the specific benefits and risks associated with your condition and the chosen surgical approach.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or book an appointment online.