Are you unable to lift your shoulder, unable to sleep at night, or experiencing severe pain every time you use your arm? Does your shoulder feel stuck? For reasons like these, your doctor may have talked to you about shoulder replacement surgery. It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear something like this. That's why we're going to talk about this very simply today, in a way that you can understand.
What is this shoulder joint replacement surgery?
Simply put, this involves removing the worn and damaged parts of your natural shoulder joint and replacing them with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal and plastic. Doctors call this total shoulder arthroplasty.
Our shoulder is a ball and socket joint. Imagine, the ball-like part of our upper arm bone (humerus) is attached to a cup-like part of our shoulder bone (scapula). When this joint wears out, severe pain occurs. During surgery, both damaged parts are removed and new artificial parts are inserted.
Do you replace the entire joint for everyone?
Most of the time, this surgery involves replacing the entire joint. That means both the ball and the socket. But imagine that only one part of your joint is damaged. For example, if only the ball is damaged, your doctor may decide to replace just that part. This is called a partial shoulder replacement or hemiarthroplasty. However, most people need this surgery because the entire joint is worn out, so a total surgery is most often performed.
What kind of people need this surgery?
Usually, your doctor will consider surgery when non-surgical treatments such as medication and physiotherapy fail to control your pain. This surgery may be recommended for people with the following conditions:
| Condition/Cause | Common symptoms |
|---|---|
| Shoulder Arthritis: Joint wear and tear, especially due to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. |
|
| Severe rotator cuff tear: Severe damage to the muscles and tendons that help move the shoulder. | In addition to the above symptoms, severe weakness in the hand. |
| Avascular Necrosis: Bone death due to loss of blood supply to the bones of the shoulder joint. | Severe pain and loss of function. |
How do you prepare before surgery?
Your doctor will prepare you well for the surgery. This will require several tests.
- A dental checkup and cleaning: This is very important because it helps prevent germs in the mouth from entering the bloodstream after surgery and causing infections in the new joint.
- Complete physical examination: Find out about your overall health.
- Shoulder X-ray: You may also be asked to do a CT scan or MRI.
- An EKG test to check the functioning of the heart.
- Several blood tests.
Also, you will be asked to stop eating or drinking for about 8 hours before the surgery (fasting). You should tell your doctor about all the medications and vitamins you are taking. Some medications (especially blood thinners) may need to be stopped a few days before the surgery.
What happens during and after the surgery?
Before the surgery begins, an anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia so that you don't feel any pain. This can be either general anesthesia that puts you completely to sleep, or regional anesthesia that numbs only your shoulder and the surrounding area.
During the operation, the surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage, implants a new artificial joint, and stitches up the incision. This usually takes about two hours.
After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room and carefully monitored until you wake up from the anesthesia. Some people can go home the same day, while others will have to stay in the hospital for a day or two. After you go home , your arm will need to be in a sling for a few weeks. You should start doing simple exercises as your doctor tells you. You will start doing exercises with a physical therapist in a few days. This is the most important part of the recovery process. Don't skip it.
It is normal to have pain after surgery. Use the painkillers exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
What are the benefits and possible risks of this surgery?
Like any surgery, this one has benefits and very minor risks.
- The main benefit is that the severe pain that was bothering you is almost completely gone and the movement and function of your hand is increased.
- Risks include blood clots, nerve damage, infection, and loosening of the prosthesis. However, these are very rare .
When you need to talk to the doctor urgently
If you experience any of these symptoms while at home after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- Continuous bleeding from the incision site.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath.
- A fever of more than 39 degrees Celsius (101 Fahrenheit).
- Severe pain that doesn't subside even after taking painkillers.
- Swelling, redness, odor, or pus-like discharge from the incision site (these are signs of infection).
It's normal to be afraid of surgery. But this is something that will bring great relief to your life. The recovery period is a little difficult. But the result of that hard work is very worth it. Talk to the doctor about all the problems and fears you have in your mind.
Take-Home Message
- Shoulder replacement surgery is a very effective treatment for a worn-out shoulder joint. It reduces pain and makes it easier to perform daily tasks.
- If you have any fears or doubts about the surgery, talk to your doctor about it openly. It's a great strength for you to be able to explain everything.
- It is very important to follow the instructions given by your doctor and physical therapist exactly during the recovery period. Do not skip exercises.
- After surgery, there may be lifelong restrictions on activities such as lifting weights. Ask your doctor about that as well.
- If any suspicious symptoms arise, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න