Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
What is Total shoulder arthroplasty/replacement surgery?
Total shoulder arthroplasty/replacement (also known as total shoulder surgery) is the procedure of removing portions of the shoulder joint to be replaced with artificial implants. This reduces pain and restores mobility and rotation. It’s very effective in treating severe pain and stiffness that can be caused by end-stage arthritis.
Shoulder arthritis refers to a condition where the cartilage covering the bones of your shoulder begins to degenerate. These cartilage surfaces allow the bones to glide comfortably against each other in a healthy shoulder. These cartilage surfaces become brittle and cause friction between the bones, increasing friction, and eventually causing them to rub against each other. Bone-on-bone movement can be very painful and challenging. Implanted artificial replacement surfaces can be surgically placed to restore strength, function, and movement.
What are the causes of shoulder replacement surgery?
The shoulder is affected by two types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA): This refers to the physical wear and tear of the cartilage within the joint due to years of usage. While many older adults will experience OA, it is more common in the hips, knees and fingers. Even though OA is more common in athletes, such as weightlifters, tennis players and other athletes who place constant pressure on their shoulders, osteoarthritis in the shoulder can be more common in those who are extremely active. Sometimes, an acute, severe injury can trigger or contribute to long-term damage.
torn rotator cuff
shoulder fracture
Inflammatory arthritis (IA: An umbrella term that refers to a variety of chronic, autoimmune diseases with no clear cause. These two main factors affect the shoulder:
rheumatoid arthritis
ankylosing Spondylitis
These patients who have had shoulder replacement surgery experience less pain and better function. Ankylosing spondylitis patients might also benefit. Replacement elbow .)
How can I tell if my shoulder needs to be replaced?
Shoulder arthritis pain that cannot be managed with non-surgical treatments is the most common reason a person has to undergo this surgery. The pain is often accompanied by progressive stiffness and a grinding, or grating feeling in the shoulder.
These symptoms are caused by the cartilage between the bones of the shoulder joint has worn away.
Diagnose conditions that can be treated with a shoulder substitute
A series of standard Xrays will be ordered by a doctor to diagnose shoulder arthritis. To evaluate a patient’s bone health, a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) may be required.
A EMG or nerve conduction study can be ordered if the doctor suspects nerve damage. This is done to assess the nerves that supply the muscles of the shoulder.
After Shoulder Replacement Surgery, Recovery
After surgery, you’ll be taken to the recovery area where you’ll stay for about two hours. You will be monitored during this time until you are awake from the anesthesia. Then you will be transferred to your hospital room. Regional anesthesia will numb your operated arm, which can also provide pain relief for the following day. The anesthesia can also cause you to lose the ability to move your wrist or fingers.
Physical Therapy
For recovery, arm and shoulder movement are crucial. Your orthopedic surgeon will usually work with you the day after your surgery and show you specific exercises that will allow you to regain full arm movement and shoulder movement.
Your doctor will give you a list of exercises you can do to strengthen your muscles without damaging the shoulder. These exercises will prevent your shoulder and elbow from becoming stiff. These exercises will initially be challenging, but they will become easier each day. A physical therapist will also visit you while you are at the hospital to reinforce the exercises. You will receive physical therapy up to twice daily during your hospital stay. You will also be assisted by an occupational therapist or nurse discharge planner to prepare for your homecoming.
Post-Hospital Care
Depending on how well you recover, you will be released from the hospital the second or third day after your surgery. It is important that you follow the instructions of your orthopedic surgeon once you are home.
Medications
Prescriptions will be issued for anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication and aspirin. This helps prevent blood clots. Only take the pain medication if you feel pain. As directed, take the anti-inflammatory medication.
Take care of your incision
Stitches will be placed along the front of your shoulder. These stitches will be removed at your first follow up appointment one week following your surgery. If your incision becomes red, painful, swollen, drains or becomes red, call your surgeon immediately.
Your incision will be covered before you leave the hospital. The incision should not be wet or dirty. You can change the dressing every day and there is a possibility of getting some blood on the dressing. Don’t shower or bathe until your next appointment. The incision is still not fully healed. Getting the incision wet can lead to infection. Once the stitches have been removed, and if your doctor permits it, you can shower and allow the water to run over the wound. You should not soak the wound in a tub or Jacuzzi. After you have finished showering, dry the wound.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for recovery. You can continue to do the exercises that you were taught in the hospital. You will receive a plan for physical therapy before you leave the hospital. Protect your shoulder for the next three to six week so that the muscles heal. Within the first week following your discharge from the hospital, you should make an appointment with a physical therapist. The physical therapist can teach you or assist with specific exercises that will strengthen your arm, shoulder and elbow during the first few weeks after discharge.
There may be swelling and bruising in the arm and hand. This is normal. It’s caused by swelling and bruising in the shoulder that travels down your arm. There is no cure for this condition. However, it is suggested that you bend your elbow and straighten your elbow often to keep your circulation going.
It will be visible that your arm is still in a sling. You should wear it when you go out in public and move around. You may need to loosen the sling if you are reading, watching TV, or working at a computer. It is best to first put your operated arm through your shirt-sleeve, and then your sling on. Your arm may be used to perform daily activities such as writing, eating, and shaving. However, you must not lift anything or reach out for items until you have been instructed.
You can drive again six weeks after your shoulder surgery. Depending on your occupation, your surgeon may allow you to resume work at this point. Physical therapy will help strengthen your shoulder.
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What can you do to take care of yourself at home?
When you are tired, rest. You can take a break, but you shouldn’t be in bed all day.
Talk to your physiotherapist about the best ways to exercise.
At night, you will have a sling. To prevent your arm dropping back, it is a good idea for you to put a small pile of sheets or towels under your upper arms while you’re in bed.
For several weeks, your arm should be next to or in front of your body while you’re awake and asleep.
Do not lift anything on the arm affected for six weeks.
Ask your doctor when it is safe to drive again.
Ask your doctor if it’s okay to have sex.
You may be advised by your doctor to stop doing activities that stress the shoulder. This could include weight lifting and tennis, unless your tennis elbow was not affected.
Exercise
After your surgery, shoulder rehabilitation is a series exercises that you do to strengthen your shoulders. This will help you regain your shoulder strength and range of motion. This exercise program will be designed in collaboration with your doctor or physiotherapist. You will get the best results if you do the exercises correctly, as well as as as many times and as long as your doctor recommends.
Ice
Apply ice or a cold compress to the affected area for 10-15-20 minutes. Place a thin cloth between your skin and the ice. Follow the instructions provided by the portable machine if your doctor recommends cold therapy.
What is the difference between standard shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement?
There is often misinformation and confusion surrounding shoulder surgery. Patients can feel very uncertain about their procedure and may feel limited. There are many options for shoulder surgery. We are happy to help you understand reverse total shoulder replacement in Ohio. We want to help you understand the difference between the standard shoulder replacement procedure and the revolutionary reverse total shoulder replacement. We believe clients can make better health decisions if they have more information. We want you to find the best solution for your shoulder problems.
What is better: Total shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder?
A standard total shoulder replacement is the most common. However, reverse shoulder replacement is better for those with certain injuries, such as rotator cuff injuries. This type of injury can cause some limited movement and pain after a standard shoulder replacement.
