Shoulder replacement surgery is performed on the shoulder joint to treat damage or wear and tear, often as a result of an injury or a condition such as arthritis. During the surgery, all or part of the shoulder joint is replaced with artificial components (prosthetics).
The extent of the damage will determine the type of surgery that is right for you. Because so much change is done to the shoulder joint during surgery, recovery will take time.
The shoulder joint is very complex and is made up of many ligaments, tendons, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and bones. The three main bones are the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). It is a ball-and-socket joint that can rotate more than any other joint in the body.
The protective cartilage between the bones can become damaged through injury or be worn away with arthritis. When the cartilage is worn down or damaged, it can make movement in the joint very painful and stiff to the point of being debilitating. Shoulder replacement surgery can significantly improve the movement in the joint and reduce pain.
Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
A shoulder replacement can be done in one of several ways, and recovery is slightly different for each type. You and your surgeon will discuss which option is the best choice for you:
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery is where the position of the ball and socket in the joint are switched around. An artificial ball is surgically attached at the shoulder blade where the socket was, and a new socket is created at the top of the upper arm bone, where the ball used to be. By reversing the ball and socket, the shoulder can bypass the damaged muscles and tendons and use the deltoid muscle (located in the top of the arm and shoulder) instead. This method actually gives the patient an excellent new range of motion.
- Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery is a procedure to completely replace all of the damaged bone, cartilage, and connective tissues with artificial components. The new prosthesis will mimic the original structure, and this can relieve pain and restore function in the shoulder.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement Surgery is carried out when damage in the shoulder joint only affects part of the joint. It involves replacing the ball section at the top of the upper arm bone with an artificial ball, but it leaves the existing socket intact.
Recovery After Shoulder Surgery
Your surgeon, along with a physical therapist (PT) and perhaps also an occupational therapist, will support you and work with you following shoulder replacement surgery to ensure a successful recovery. They will give you specific advice to follow once you return home after your surgery.
Patients often remain in the hospital for several days after shoulder replacement surgery. The extent of the stay will depend on how quickly the patient’s body is responding after the operation, the patient’s general health, and the type of shoulder surgery that was performed. A total shoulder replacement will likely require a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery than a partial replacement.
Arm movements will be restricted following surgery, and you may need to keep your arm in a sling for several weeks after the operation – especially during the night. Regular pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medication should help quell the pain while you recover.
Depending on the type of surgery you had, your surgeon may recommend lifting nothing heavier than a glass of water for the first six weeks or so. Heavy lifting, contact sports, and high-impact or straining activities should be avoided for at least six months. Your surgeon can give you advice about when it is advisable to return to work and when to start driving again.
Physical Therapy Techniques to Fully Recover
Physical therapy can help to restore motion, strength, joint stability, and coordination after a shoulder operation. Your therapist will likely start working with you on the same day of the procedure, to help you gently start to move your arm. This helps to prevent stiffness and helps the shoulder to heal.
Your physical therapist will guide you through strengthening exercises and ways to move your shoulder comfortably. Movement will be increased gradually. You will also be given a home exercise program to continue following to help in your recovery.
Overall, a majority of people achieve excellent results after shoulder surgery. Pain is dramatically reduced, shoulder function is significantly improved, and patients experience an improved quality of life.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery in the Greater Chesapeake
If you are suffering with chronic or severe shoulder pain, call our experts at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder today. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use the latest surgical and nonsurgical techniques to treat the full spectrum of shoulder problems and help you enjoy a more pain-free lifestyle once again.
To schedule an appointment, call our Maryland shoulder surgeons today at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment online at one of our locations across the Greater Chesapeake area. We look forward to seeing you!
