What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder replacement a major surgery to replace damaged or diseased parts of your shoulder with artificial implants. It is also called Shoulder Arthroplasty. This surgery is usually recommended when other treatments such as medicines, physical therapy, and exercise haven’t worked. In some cases, it may be done to relieve pain from an injury or arthritis.

Undergoing a shoulder replacement procedure involves a complex operation that replaces your shoulder joint with artificial components. Relieving pain and improving natural movement with your shoulder is the result of a surgery such as this.

Our patients that usually receive an operation such as this have dealt with these common conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• A broken shoulder which is usually the result of a traumatic injury
• Avascular necrosis

What Can I Expect During Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

During an operation such as this, the surgeon will focus on the ball and socket of your shoulder. The ball of your shoulder is substituted with a metal ball, which is attached to a stem. That stem is then in turn placed down your shaft towards your humerus. The surgeon will use plastic as a replacement for the socket part of your shoulder. That part will be secured by cement into a groove within your new socket. Your surgeon will determine if the socket portion is necessary based off of how severe your arthritis is in this area and if your rotator cuff tendons are still connected.

What Can I Expect After Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

A morphine pump is usually administered by your physician for pain after your surgery. A brief time after this, your physician will have you switch over to taking your pain medication by mouth. Antibiotics will also be given to you to eliminate any infection. You will also probably have to wear a brace for extra support during the healing process, however, it can be removed to perform physical therapy.