Shoulder Joint Replacement
What is it and how is it performed?
Shoulder Joint Replacement Overview
A shoulder joint replacement treats an arthritic shoulder joint. The procedure is usually recommended to treat severe shoulder arthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options, such as anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications.
Shoulder joint replacement surgery should be a collective decision between you and your physician. Shoulder replacement decision considers the patient’s well-being and goals.
How is a shoulder joint replacement performed?
A shoulder joint replacement is an inpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. A Sano specialist carefully removes arthritic bone and replaces it with a perfect fit prosthesis. Three procedures may be performed:
- A total shoulder joint replacement. The shoulder joint ball and socket are replaced.
- A partial shoulder joint replacement. The humeral head (top of the arm bone) is replaced.
- A reverse total shoulder. The ball and socket are replaced and their positions are changed.
What conditions can shoulder joint replacement treat?
- Shoulder arthritis causes severe joint damage and makes moving the shoulder difficult and painful.
- A humeral head fracture or fracture of the articulating portion of the arm bone.
What are the advantages of shoulder joint replacement advantages?
Pain relief and improved range of motion and function are the key benefits of a joint replacement.
Shoulder replacement makes it possible for severe shoulder arthritis patients to live pain-free lives and perform many movements and participate in many activities that they previously could not.
Who is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery if you have the following symptoms:
- Your shoulder pain is so severe that you struggle with everyday activities such as washing, getting dressed, and reaching into a cabinet.
- You have a loss of motion in your shoulder.
- You have weakness in your shoulder.
- You have pain that’s so bad that it prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.
- You’ve tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy with no relief.
- You have prior arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff or fracture repair that failed to relieve your symptoms.
What is shoulder joint replacement recovery like?
Immediately after surgery, a sling is placed for comfort. Sometimes patients stay overnight in the hospital or go home the same day. A Sano shoulder specialist is seen 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. Total recovery time takes about 6-8 months.
Our team recommends patients focus on hitting milestones, not the specific day. It is a long process that requires commitment for the best results.