What are the various types of shoulder replacement surgery?

There are mainly five types of shoulder replacement surgery that an orthopedic surgeon can offer. Depending upon the damage to the shoulder the surgery is performed. Let us look at the types of it in brief.

1. Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery : The surgeon switches, or reverses, the position of the ball and socket of the shoulder joint during reverse shoulder replacement. The ball at the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) is replaced with a prosthetic socket, while the natural socket around the shoulder is fitted with a prosthetic ball. In people whose rotator cuffs cannot be repaired, this surgery may be their only option.
2. Hemiarthroplasty : The humeral head of the arm is removed and replaced with a prosthetic ball in a shoulder hemiarthroplasty. However, the natural socket of the arm, or glenoid bone, is left intact. This procedure is also known as partial shoulder replacement surgery.
3. Total shoulder replacement surgery- In total shoulder replacement surgery, the injured ball-and-socket surfaces of the shoulder are removed and replaced with similarly shaped prosthetics. A total shoulder replacement is one of the most reliable surgical options for relieving debilitating shoulder arthritis.
4. Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty : A smooth rounded cap is fitted over the damaged humeral head during shoulder resurfacing surgery in order to improve joint movement. Resurfacing of the shoulder does not require the removal of the humeral head or insertion of a prosthetic humeral stem.

What procedure is followed during shoulder replacement surgery?

Following is the procedure that is followed during shoulder replacement surgery.

• One to two weeks before surgery, a series of preoperative tests such as blood tests, and electrocardiogram EKG, will be scheduled. You may be asked to discontinue certain medicines 2 weeks before surgery. You will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the day before surgery.
• Once you get admitted to the hospital, your doctor will do a general check-up and discuss your physical & mental health report with the anesthesiologist. Depending on your report the anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia before surgery.
• After the anesthesia, you will be transferred to the Operation Theater for the final procedure. There your shoulder replacement surgeon will do an incision and remove the injured joint and replace it with the new artificial implant.
• After the replacement, the surgeon will close the incision, and then you will be transferred to the general ward for observation. A physiotherapist will explain to you all the shoulder exercises that you need for months to recover fast from the surgery.

What are the causes of shoulder replacement surgery?

A person might require shoulder replacement surgery at any age of his life. Let us look at some of the main causes of shoulder replacement surgery

• Avascular necrosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rotator cuff tear arthroplasty
• Sports injury
• Severe fracture in the shoulder bone

How much time does a patient require to recover after the shoulder replacement surgery?

Usually,  discharge time is within 1 or 2 days. But, It is to be noted that the recovery periods vary from person to person and also depend on what type of surgery you had.

It is usually safe to use your arm for waist-level activities the day after surgery. The normal recovery period for shoulder replacement surgery is 1 to 2 months.

Tips to follow after shoulder replacement surgery?

If you have gone through shoulder replacement surgery then these tips can help you to recover fast from the shoulder arthroplasty.

• Do follow all the instructions given by your shoulder replacement surgeon
• Do all the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist
• Take all the medications on time
• Follow a healthy and balanced diet
• Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Take proper rest

What are the side effects of shoulder replacement surgery?

The following are the side effects a person might face after shoulder replacement surgery

• Dislocation of shoulder bone
• Rotator cuff failure
• Damage to nerve
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Loosening of implants

Why choose Dr. SS Soni for shoulder replacement surgery?

Dr. SS Soni is known as one of the best orthopedic in Jaipur. He is a highly qualified, fully trained, and experienced Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in shoulder, knee, and Hip replacement surgery.

He has not only delivered successful shoulder replacement surgery but also performed more than 500 knee & hip replacement surgeries.

He has been practicing orthopedic or joint replacement surgeries for more than 17 years and uses advanced and latest 3D techniques for joint replacement surgeries.

To know more about Dr. SS Soni Contact him now.