Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Medical Specialities
- Orthopaedics, Trauma & Spine Care
- Shoulder Replacement
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Shoulder Replacement
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The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. Most shoulder movement occurs where the ball of your arm bone (humerus) fits into the socket (glenoid) which is part of the shoulder blade.
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Why the joint needs replacement?
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The most common reasons for replacing the shoulder joint are arthritis, either osteo arthritis (wear and tear) or rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be necessary following a fracture. Sometimes the muscles (the rotator cuff) which control movement can be worn and damaged and this may warrant a replacement.
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About the shoulder replacement operation
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The operation replaces the damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint. It consists of a metal replacement for the ball component and a plastic cup for the socket. The main reason for doing this operation is to reduce the pain in your shoulder. You may have more movement in your shoulder but this will depend on how stiff your shoulder was before surgery and whether the muscles were working normally or whether they were damaged. Before you have the operation the doctors will be able to see if there is any significant damage to the muscles from this information they will be able to give you a realistic idea of what movement you can expect after surgery. Sometimes only the ball part of the joint is replaced and sometimes the joint is resurfaced. Before you come into hospital please ensure all rings have been removed from the operative side and left at home.
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Possible problems with surgery
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Infection, Stiffness and pain in and around the shoulder (up to 20%), Damage to the nerves and blood vessels around the shoulder, (less than 1%), A need to redo the surgery (5 -10% at 10yrs).
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After the surgery
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It may take several weeks or even months before you feel the benefits of the operation, you will be given pain-killers whilst you are in hospital to help reduce the discomfort and you should continue with pain medication when you are discharged home.
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You will probably notice swelling and bruising around the upper arm and the arm may be swollen this will gradually disappear over a period of a few weeks. You may find icepacks helpful over the area. Use a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a damp tea towel, until the wound is healed also use a plastic bag around the frozen peas to protect the wound from getting wet.
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You will be shown some exercises to do by the physiotherapist and you will start exercises to move your shoulder on the first day after your operation. You will then need to continue with exercises when you go home and an outpatient physiotherapy appointment will be arranged for you.
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You will probably be off work for approximately 6-8 weeks, to driving after 6-8 weeks amd activities like swimming and light gardening can be resumed after 6-8 weeks.
