Shoulder replacement surgery is less prevalent, but it is successful at relieving joint pain. This surgery is used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by different medical conditions. Shoulder replacement surgery is preferred if the non-surgical treatments such as medications, rest, lifestyle changes did not reduce the pain.
Reasons for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
In most cases, shoulder replacement surgery is performed to reduce the pain caused by conditions where the shoulder joint get damaged such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Shoulder replacement surgery is helpful for the following:
- People who have severe shoulder pain that has an impact on daily activities such as dressing, washing, etc.
- People who experience mild to severe pain while resting and it often disrupts the sleep
- People who have shoulder weakness
- People whose condition did not improve with physical therapy, injections, etc.
Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
There are different options for shoulder replacement surgery. Based on the type of joint damage, your doctor will decide the right type of shoulder replacement. Different types of shoulder replacement surgeries are as follows:
- Anatomic total shoulder replacement surgery: During this surgery, the arthritic joint surfaces are replaced with a metal ball and socket. These materials are available in different sizes and they can be cemented or press fit into the bone.
- Partial shoulder replacement surgery: In this surgery, only the ball of the shoulder joint will be replaced. It is preferred only when the joint at the ball side is damaged.
- Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery: In this type of surgery, both the ball and socket are replaced and the implants are reversed. This means the socket ball is attached to the shoulder bone and the socket will be attached to the arm bone.
- Stemmed hemiarthroplasty: In this type of surgery, the humerus head is replaced with a metal ball and stem.
Preparing for the Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Before performing the shoulder replacement surgery, your doctor will perform a complete physical examination to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo the surgery. You should also mention your doctor about the medications that you use and the doctor may ask you to stop consuming certain medications. If you use blood thinners, you may need to stop using them before the surgery.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Procedure
When you go to the hospital, wear loose and comfortable clothes. You can admit to the hospital on the same day of the surgery and you need to meet anesthesia department. They will decide on the type of anesthesia to be used for you.
During the surgical procedure, the shoulder joint will be replaced with artificial implants. The surgery may take up to two hours based on the complexity and the type. Once the surgery is performed, you will be shifted to the recovery room where you will be under observation for a few hours until your recovery from anesthesia. Once you wake up, you will be moved to a room in the hospital.
Recovery After the Surgery
The recovery varies from one patient to another and it is based on the type of surgery performed on you. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent any infection. Many patients can return to their homes two or three days following the surgery. You may experience pain after the surgery which will eventually reduce over time. Medications are prescribed to help you manage pain and to recover faster from the surgery.
Pain management is also crucial for the recovery. You can get your physical therapy sessions and perform exercises to reduce your pain and to improve your strength. Once the pain reduces, you can continue your daily activities.
Visit Dr Suhas for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
If you are planning to undergo shoulder replacement surgery, meet Dr Suhas Masilamani. He is an orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon in Hyderabad with 17 years of experience and you can count on him. He evaluates each patient on a case-by-case basis in strong collaboration with the patient’s other healthcare providers. Even after the surgery, he closely works with you to help you recover faster from the surgery. Do not delay and schedule your appointment today.