Shoulder Replacement Surgery

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Shoulder Replacement Surgery

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Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Total shoulder replacement, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, is the removal of portions of the shoulder joint, which are replaced with artificial implants to reduce pain and restore range of rotation and mobility. It is very successful for treating the severe pain and stiffness caused by end-stage arthritis.

Shoulder arthritis is a condition in which the smooth cartilage that covers of the bones of the shoulder degenerate or disintegrate. In a healthy shoulder, these cartilage surfaces permit the bones to comfortably glide against one another. When these cartilage surfaces disappear, the bones come into direct contact, increasing friction and causing them to roughen and damage each other. Bone-on bone movement can be quite painful and difficult. Surgically implanted artificial replacement surfaces restore pain-free movement, strength and function.

Diagnosing conditions that may be treated with a shoulder replacement

To diagnose arthritis in the shoulder, a doctor will order a series of standard X-rays. A CT scan may also be necessary to evaluate a patient's bone integrity, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to determine the condition of important surrounding soft tissues, such as the rotator cuff tendon.

What are the risks and complications of a shoulder replacement?

Complications are rare in total shoulder replacement, but can include:

. instability (the ball slipping out of the socket)

. infection

. nerve damage

. glenoid loosening

. stiffness

How long does it take to recover from a shoulder replacement?

It generally takes eight weeks or more for patients to recover. It may be several months before a patient may do heavy labor or strenuous strength exercises.

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