Total Shoulder Replacement
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of conditions where there
is progressive damage to one or more joints.
The most common type of arthritis is
osteoarthritis, where there is progressive wear and tear of a
joint. Some other types of arthritis are associated with
inflammation of the joints.
The end result of arthritis is that the normal
cartilage covering the joint surfaces wears away and the bone
underneath becomes damaged. This causes joint pain and
stiffness.
What are the benefits of surgery?
If your shoulder replacement is successful, you
should have less pain and be able to move your arm more easily.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and
anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help control
the pain. Regular moderate exercise helps to reduce stiffness.
A steroid injection into the shoulder joint can
sometimes reduce pain and stiffness. All of these measures become
less effective as the arthritis gets worse.
What does the operation involve?
A variety of anaesthetic techniques are
possible.
Your surgeon will make a cut on the front of
your shoulder and remove the damaged ball (head of the humerus).
They will replace the ball and sometimes also the socket. The new
ball is made of metal and the socket is usually made of plastic
(see figure 1).
Figure 1 - Shoulder replacement
The shoulder replacement is fixed into the bone
using a special coating on the arm-side of your shoulder
joint.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any
operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Chest infection
- Heart attack or stroke
2 Specific complications of this
operation
- Damage to nerves.
- Infection
- Loosening
- Rotator-cuff tears
- Dislocation
- Stiff shoulder
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after two to
three days.
You will need to keep your arm in a sling to
keep the tension away from your shoulder joint.
Most people make a good recovery, with much
less pain and better movement. An artificial shoulder never feels
quite the same as a normal shoulder and it is important to look
after it in the long term.
A shoulder replacement can wear out with
time.
Summary
Arthritis of the shoulder can cause severe
pain, stiffness and disability. A shoulder replacement
operation should reduce your pain and help you to move your
shoulder more easily.
Acknowledgements
Author: Prof John Stanley MCh Orth FRCS (Ed)
FRCSE
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright
© 2006 Nucleus Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com
This document is intended for information
purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO
Healthcare Limited
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Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Treatment Centre
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital