Dr. Abhinav Singhal is a highly skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Ghaziabad with over 10 years of experience, specializing in joint arthroscopy, joint replacement, and complex trauma care.
Total shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This surgery is typically performed to relieve severe pain and restore function in patients with advanced arthritis, significant joint degeneration, or complex fractures. The procedure involves replacing the humeral head with a metal ball and the glenoid cavity with a plastic socket. Post-surgery, patients undergo rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and function in the shoulder. This surgery aims to improve the patient’s quality of life by alleviating pain and enhancing shoulder movement.
Total shoulder replacement surgery is typically considered for patients experiencing severe shoulder pain and dysfunction that significantly impair daily activities. Common symptoms include chronic pain that persists despite conservative treatments, limited range of motion, weakness, and instability in the shoulder. Patients may also experience difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort and a grinding or catching sensation during shoulder movement.
The primary causes necessitating total shoulder replacement include severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rotator cuff tear arthropathy. These conditions lead to the degeneration of the shoulder joint’s cartilage, causing bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, and pain. Other causes include complex fractures of the shoulder joint and avascular necrosis, where the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to joint deterioration.
Total shoulder replacement involves surgically removing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial components. The procedure typically includes replacing the humeral head with a metal ball and the glenoid cavity with a plastic socket. This surgery aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life. Preoperative evaluations include imaging studies, physical examinations, and discussions of the patient’s medical history to plan the procedure accurately. Postoperative care involves pain management, infection prevention, and monitoring for potential complications.
Rehabilitation after total shoulder replacement is crucial for a successful outcome. The recovery process begins with a period of immobilization in a sling to allow initial healing. Gradual, supervised physical therapy starts soon after surgery to restore range of motion, prevent stiffness, and strengthen the shoulder muscles. Early exercises focus on passive movements performed by a therapist or the patient using the non-operated arm. As healing progresses, active exercises and resistance training are introduced to enhance strength and functionality. The rehabilitation process typically spans several months, with continuous evaluation and adjustment of the therapy plan to ensure optimal recovery. Full recovery and return to normal activities can be expected within six to twelve months, depending on the individual’s adherence to the rehabilitation protocol and overall health.
F&Q'sTotal shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components, typically made of metal and plastic. This surgery is performed to relieve severe pain and restore function in the shoulder joint affected by conditions such as arthritis or severe fractures.
Candidates for total shoulder replacement surgery typically include individuals with chronic shoulder pain and dysfunction that significantly impairs daily activities and quality of life. This pain may be due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rotator cuff tear arthropathy that have not responded to conservative treatments.
Common symptoms include severe shoulder pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, weakness, and instability. Patients may also experience difficulty performing overhead activities or lifting objects due to shoulder dysfunction and discomfort.
During the surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder joint, including the humeral head and the glenoid cavity, are removed and replaced with artificial components. The humeral head is replaced with a metal ball, while the glenoid cavity is replaced with a plastic socket. This procedure aims to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore function in the shoulder joint.
The recovery process involves a period of immobilization in a sling to allow initial healing. Physical therapy is initiated soon after surgery to gradually restore range of motion, strengthen the shoulder muscles, and improve joint stability. Full recovery can take several months, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities during the healing process.
Potential risks and complications include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, prosthetic dislocation, and loosening of the artificial components. Despite these risks, total shoulder replacement surgery is generally safe and effective, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved shoulder function post-surgery.