Shoulder replacement surgery

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Shoulder replacement surgery - a surgical procedure to replace the shoulder joint.

Procedure

During shoulder replacement surgery, all or part of the shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.

How does the shoulder replacement work?

The prosthesis replaces the rough, worn parts of your shoulder with smooth metal and plastic parts.

Indications

Some of the common causes leading to a worn out shoulder that requires replacement of shoulder joint include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and various traumas.

Before surgery

Follow any directions you are given for taking medicines or for not eating or drinking before surgery. At the hospital, your temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure will be checked. An IV (intravenous) line will be started to provide fluids and medicines needed during surgery.

The surgical procedure

When the surgical team is ready, you’ll be taken to the operating room. There you’ll be given anesthesia to help you sleep through surgery. Your surgeon may replace just the ball (partial replacement) or both the ball and the socket (total replacement). An incision about six-inches long is made from your collarbone to your arm. Once the new joint is in place, your surgeon closes the incision with surgical staples or sutures (stitches).

Post shoulder replacement surgery precautions

After surgery, you'll be sent to the PACU (postanesthesia care unit). When you are fully awake, you'll be moved to your room. In some cases, you can be sent home after surgery. The nurses will give you medicines to ease your pain. Soon, healthcare providers will help you get up and moving. You may also have physical therapy after surgery.

You may need to wear an arm sling for a few weeks. You will likely have a specific rehabilitation or physical therapy plan to get the best healing after surgery.

Warning signs - call healthcare provider if notice these

Once at home, call your healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms below:

• An increase in pain not relieved by your pain medicine
• Unusual redness, heat, or drainage at the incision site
• Fever over °F (°C) or chills

External links

• Patient X-ray and Image gallery demonstrating anatomic total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement surgery

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