Shoulder Replacement Surgery
In 1893 doctor Jules Emile Péan had an issue. The patient was dying from tuberculosis affecting the shoulder joint but could not accept undergoing an Amputation. Péan successfully removed the damaged humeral tissues and restored them to health with the help of a prosthesis. This was the first time that metal had been used to repair the damaged joint. The procedure went smoothly. The patient regained his mobility. Then the patient was able to use his shoulder for most of his day-to-day activities until radiographs two years after the surgery showed that the prosthesis was ossified and needed to be removed.
The surgical techniques, medical knowledge, and prosthetics design have been greatly improved. Modern shoulder arthroplasty patients are likely to experience significantly less discomfort, a more comprehensive range of motion, as well as an extended lifespan of their prosthesis.
About Your Shoulder
The joint that your arm’s upper part joins the rest of your body forms a socket-ball joint. The bone inside the upper arm, known as the humerus, is an end that is round and fits into the curved structure on the side of the shoulder blade.
Ligaments and tendons keep it all together. Ligaments join bones, whereas tendons join the muscles of bones. An underlying layer known as cartilage helps keep bones separate, so they don’t rub against one another. The ball and socket let the arm move upwards and downwards, forward and back, or in circles.
Why You’d Need It Replaced
It is possible to get it checked if you suffer from an issue that makes it difficult and painful to use your arm, like:
- The shoulder can sustain serious injuries, such as broken bones
- Severe arthritis
- A torn rotator cuff
The doctor may treat you with physical therapy or drugs initially. If they don’t perform, they might suggest Rotator cuff surgery.
What to expect from surgery
A surgeon for orthopaedics at Multispeciality Hospital In Coimbatore will replace the natural bone inside the socket and ball in your joint. This is done using an implant that can be made of plastic or metal. This is a major procedure that will require you to stay in the hospital for a few days. It will also require some time of physical therapy following surgery. There are three kinds of shoulder replacement procedures:
- Total shoulder replacement: It is the most popular kind. The ball is replaced at the top of the humerus with an iron ball that connects to the other bone. The socket is then covered in a new surface.
- Partial shoulder replacement: In a partial shoulder replacement or shoulder hemiarthroplasty, the head of the humerus in the arm can be removed and then replaced by an artificial ball. Still, the natural socket, also known as the glenoid bone, is left.
- Reverse shoulder replacement: Usually, you’ll get this condition if you suffer from a rotator cuff tear. This was also the case when another shoulder replacement surgery failed. The ball of metal is fixed to the bones of your shoulder, and a socket is placed on top of your arm.
Preparing for Your Surgery
When you first get the new shoulder, you’ll probably receive a full physical examination and X-rays and other imaging tests to ensure that the surgeon can take an overview of the joint. Discuss any other medical conditions you suffer from or any medication you are taking with your physician. You’ll need to stop taking certain medications, particularly narcotic painkillers, at least a few weeks before surgery.
It’s possible to limit your alcohol consumption and exercise more as well. If you smoke, it will be recommended to stop. Researchers have discovered that smokers are much more likely to develop complications after surgical joint replacement than those who do not. Do not eat or drink any alcohol after midnight before the procedure. The procedure is approximately 3 hours. Doctors will prescribe you medication to keep you in a hospital during the procedure.
You’ll need to ensure that you’ve got some assistance with your routine for a couple of weeks after you leave the hospital. It won’t be easy to transfer your arm often. If there aren’t any family members or friends who could assist you, it might be a good idea to look into rehabilitation centers until you can complete more by yourself. It is also possible to arrange your belongings in your home to help you get them as you recover.
Surgery Procedure
The operating rooms are where you’ll meet doctors, nurses, technicians, anesthesiologists and technicians. The operating room is extremely cool and bright, and blankets will be available to keep you warm. Due to the sheer number of people in the space, it will appear full and noisy. After that, you will be taken to the table for surgery and then made to feel comfortable. A surgical draping made of sterile material will be draped to safeguard the surgical site. The anesthesiologist is on your head, watching your health throughout the procedure.
How long will it take?
Rotator cuff surgery will take approximately two hours. It’ll take longer for family members since it can take up to an hour after you say goodbye to them for the surgery to begin. It can take anywhere from one to two hours after the surgery to fully heal from anesthesia and be able to visit them once more.
Recovery time
You will likely be able to return home the next day. The shoulder will begin to swell, and the shoulder will be painful. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease the discomfort, and cold compresses can help reduce the swelling.
In the beginning, your arm will be restrained to stop the arm from being moved. It will be time to begin physical therapy to help your arm and new shoulder move within a few days.
The physical therapy will continue when you return home. The exercises you’ll be doing will gradually improve the way your joint functions. Don’t overdo it. You could wait up to 4 weeks before you’re able to lift anything heavier than the glasses of water.
The arm is in the sling for the bulk of the time. It could take six weeks or more before you can take a drive. After your surgery, you’ll be required to attend numerous follow-up appointments with your physician so that they can check how you’re recovering.
