Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The shoulder replacement surgery is also known as total shoulder arthroplasty. It involves the replacement of the end bones that are damaged, injured, or affected by arthritis disease, or wear and tear over some time. The shoulder replacement doctor will recommend shoulder replacement surgery when there is an incessant pain and loss of function creating a big obstacle in performing day-to-day activities. Surgical interventions are the best way to handle shoulder injuries and pain.
There are mainly three types of shoulder surgeries:
- Total shoulder replacement surgery: This is regarded as the most commonly performed surgery. In total shoulder replacement, the ball above the humerus is replaced with a metal ball, and the socket is properly covered with a new plastic surface.
- Partial shoulder replacement surgery: In this type of surgery, only the ball above the humerus is replaced.
- Reverse shoulder replacement surgery: It is not a common form of surgery and is performed if you have a torn rotator cuff. In case you didnโt get relief from your previous surgery, you may go for a reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Here, the metal ball is put to the shoulder bones, while the socket is placed at the top of the arm.
The conditions that require shoulder replacement surgery:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Broken or severely damaged shoulder
- Avascular necrosis
What is the procedure?
Before the surgery, the patient will have to undergo a full physical examination and X-rays. Some other imaging tests will be conducted to have a decent look at the prevailing conditions. The shoulder replacement surgery may take around 2 to 3 hours to accomplish. The surgical procedure is conducted under the influence of general anesthesia. During the surgery, the shoulder replacement doctor will make an incision that is around 6 inches long. After this, the arthritic or damaged part is removed. Then the shoulder replacement doctor replaces it with prosthesis like a socket, ball, and stem components.
