Shoulder Replacement

The shoulder joint replacement was first used as a remedy for the treatment of severe shoulder bone fractures, but this surgery is used to cure many other painful conditions that can happen for the shoulder over time. Various types of joint inflammation can be noted among these. This surgery may be prescribed for you if you have not responded to other solutions, such as taking medication and changing the physical activity. Shoulder joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective operation that can help you get back to your daily activities.

Duration of treatment

Your hand will be in the splint after surgery and you will need it for the first 2-4 weeks after surgery to maintain your shoulder and protect it. Depending on your doctor’s diagnosis, you will be able to drive or return to work after 6 weeks. Of course, the time to return to work depends on the level of physical activity your job requires and consultation with the physician is required.

Related paraclinics

Your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic specialist to find out if you need this surgery. Measures taken by an orthopedic surgeon include medical history, physical checkup of the shoulder, x-ray imaging, and more, such as blood tests, MRI, or bone scans.

Preoperative care, operation process, and postoperative care

Preoperative care:

On the day of operation, go to the hospital with comfortable dresses and button-front shirts. Upon completion of the operation, your hands will be in the splint and you will be restricted in using it. Before surgery, you will discuss with an anesthesiologist and you, the anesthesiologist and a surgeon will decide on which method (general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or a combination of both) to be used.

Operation process

Joint shoulder replacement surgery can be done in several forms. These methods include complete replacement of shoulder joint with a metal implant, partial replacement of the shoulder joint and several other methods. The surgeon will identify the optimal option. Due to the multiple surgical options and the many details each of them entails, the exact description of each of them in this section is not possible, but the overall surgery involves creating an incision in the area and performing the surgical operation. While this operation may involve replacing the entire shoulder joint with a metal limb or replacing it partly, and so on. Of course, this surgery can be done closed so that there is no need to create a large incision on the body.

This surgery can be performed under general or local anesthesia, and this depends on the decision of specialists. The length of the shoulder joint replacement surgery is usually 2 hours.

Postoperative care

When discharged from the hospital, note the following:

• Use of prescription drugs
• Doing prescribed exercise
• Not lifting objects heavier than a glass of water for the first 2 to 4 weeks after surgery
• Do not use your arm to lift your bed or chair

Surgical tips

Possible risks include:

• Infection
• Artificial limb defects
• Damage to the nerves

Prescribed for

• Severe shoulder joint fracture
• Inflammation of the joint

Duration of admission

You will usually be discharged from the hospital for up to 3 days after surgery.