What you need to know about Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Perhaps you too have been unable to sleep at night due to severe pain in your shoulder. You may feel unbearable pain even when you lift your arm, change your clothes, or even reach for a small item from the kitchen shelf. In a situation like this, if other treatments do not help, your doctor may have talked to you about a 'Shoulder Replacement' surgery. Hearing this name can be scary. But let's talk about everything simply and clearly.

What is shoulder replacement surgery?

Simply put, this involves removing your naturally worn-out, damaged shoulder joint and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis). Doctors also call this ``total shoulder arthroplasty.'' These artificial joints are made using metal and a special type of plastic.

Your shoulder joint is a ``ball and socket joint.'' The ball-like part of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a cup-like part (glenoid) of your shoulder bone (scapula). In this surgery, these damaged parts are replaced with new ones.

Complete and partial surgeries

Many people have to have a total shoulder replacement , which means both the ball and the socket are replaced.

But sometimes, if only one part of the joint is damaged, the doctor may perform a partial shoulder replacement (or hemiarthroplasty). For example, if only the ball is damaged and the socket is intact, only the ball is replaced. But this is less common. When a joint is damaged due to a condition like arthritis, both parts are usually damaged.

In what cases is this surgery recommended?

If your shoulder symptoms do not improve despite other treatments, such as medication and physiotherapy, your doctor may consider surgery:

• Unbearable shoulder pain , especially at night.
• The inability to lift or rotate the arm properly means that the movement of the joint is limited .
• Joint stiffness and stiffness .
• Joint swelling .

The main cause of this condition is inflammation of the shoulder joint, which is called arthritis. The most common types are osteoarthritis (caused by wear and tear of the bones) or rheumatoid arthritis (caused by a problem with the immune system). In addition, this surgery is also recommended in cases of severe damage to the muscles and tendons of the shoulder called the rotator cuff or avascular necrosis (lack of blood supply to the bones).

How do you prepare before surgery?

Don't be afraid of this, your doctor and his team will prepare you for this. You will have to undergo several tests before the surgery.

• Visiting a dentist: Your teeth will be examined and cleaned to reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
• Physical examination: Find out about your overall health.
• X-ray, CT or MRI tests: See exactly what the damage to the shoulder joint looks like.
• ECG test (`Electrocardiogram`): Check the function of the heart.
• Several blood tests.

You should definitely tell your doctor about any medications (including those for other conditions) and vitamins you are currently taking. Some medications may require you to stop taking them a few days before surgery. Some may also require you to fast for about 8 hours before surgery. Your medical team will give you clear instructions about all of this.

How is the surgery done?

Before the surgery begins, an anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia so that you don't feel any pain. You may be given general anesthesia, which puts you completely to sleep, or regional anesthesia, which numbs only the shoulder and the surrounding area.

During the operation, the surgeon:

1. A small incision is made in the skin across the shoulder.

2. The damaged bone and cartilage are removed very carefully.

3. Instead, a pre-measured and fabricated artificial joint (prosthesis) is implanted.

4. The arm and shoulder are repositioned correctly and the incision is sewn.

This surgery usually takes about two hours , but this time can vary depending on the extent of damage to your joint.

What happens after the surgery and how long does it take to recover?

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored. Some people can go home the same day (`outpatient`), while others will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two (`inpatient`).

After surgery, you will be put in a sling. You will need to wear this for several weeks. Your doctor will also give you some simple exercises to help you regain movement and strengthen your shoulder. It is very important to do them correctly.

You will need to start physical therapy in a few weeks. A physical therapist will teach you exercises and stretches to increase your shoulder's range of motion and strengthen your muscles.

It is normal to have pain in the first few weeks. The doctor will prescribe painkillers for this. It is also important to take the medicine in the right dose and at the right time. You will have to avoid lifting weights and playing sports for a few months. However, after about two to three weeks, you will be able to start doing small tasks like putting on clothes and preparing some food.

It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous about this type of surgery. But remember, the relief you'll get after this and a pain-free life are worth it. Even though the recovery period will be difficult, as you gradually get stronger, you'll feel proud of yourself. Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.

Shoulder surgery, Shoulder replacement surgery, Arthritis, Joint pain, Physical therapy, Surgery