Overview

Total shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure to relieve pain and improve function in individuals with severe shoulder joint damage, typically caused by arthritis or trauma. During the surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components, allowing patients to regain mobility and lead a more active lifestyle.

An injury to the shoulder can lead to extreme pain while moving it. The surgery is a safe option and helps heal the pain, allowing the patient to move the shoulder easily. But like other operative procedures, some risks and complications cannot be ignored, and many also ruin the surgical procedure.

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Mentioned below are some of the forms of shoulder surgery helpful to lower the pain and improve the condition:

- Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement- It is a surgical procedure in which the ball and socket-shaped structure of the shoulder's mechanism are changed. The surgical procedure is usually adapted when the shoulder is completely damaged. The implants immediately take the shape of the bones making the procedure more comfortable and easy for the patient.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement- The procedure is helpful when the shoulder rotator cuff is completely damaged. The damage can occur due to an external injury or deteriorating arthritis. The procedure involves attaching the ball to the shoulder blade and the socket to the upper arm bone. Usually, the implants are attached the vice versa in a typical surgical procedure. Hence, the surgery is termed a reverse total shoulder replacement.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)- In this surgery, only the ball of the shoulder joint is replaced, leaving the natural socket intact. It is often performed for specific types of fractures.

Why is shoulder replacement surgery performed?

A shoulder surgery is performed when a patient is unable to make any shoulder movement. The patient is also eligible for surgery when the injured cannot perform movements like moving the arms up and down, exercising, or moving the upper part of the body. The surgery is also helpful for people who suffer from internal shoulder issues like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tear in the rotator cuff, and other similar issues. A medical procedure is also required when a shoulder is injured due to an external injury like an accident or a fall. Long-lasting shoulder pain is also relieved with the help of the surgery.

Complications of Total Shoulder Replacement

Mentioned below are some of the complications that can be faced after shoulder surgery and that can be risky for the shoulder injury:

- Infection- Infection is one of the common complications in any form of surgical procedure. The stitched skin may be attacked by bacteria or viruses, leading to an infection or a wound. Antibiotics help lower or eliminate the virus, but if the situation worsens, the individual may also require another surgical procedure to heal the situation. The surgery helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and wind up the surgery with the help of new stitches. Therefore, consulting a doctor in such situations is a wise choice.
- Dislocation- A dislocation is one of the biggest fears in shoulder surgery. It can happen due to extensive activity or not following the after-surgery care guidelines. A sudden jerk experienced by the shoulder during an activity can also dislocate the placed implants.
- The issue with Prosthesis- Many times, the prosthesis implanted also wears and tears with time. The parts may loosen, leading to a major problem. In case of such circumstances, surgery can help to get relief from the issue. Loose prosthesis can also be one of the significant complications observed after surgery.
- Nerve Injury- Nerve injury is another common complication observed in any type of surgery. It happens when the nerves of the surgical area are injured during the surgery by the instruments used. Such injuries also cause complications if not treated at the right time.

Risks of Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

- Fracture- A fracture is one of the risk factors of shoulder surgery. It can be one of the indications of a failed surgery. The patient can identify it by symptoms such as continued pain, immobility, limited range of motion, or other similar issues. In such scenarios getting the condition checked by a medical professional is advisable.
- Blood Clots- Blood clots are another significant risk observed after a form of surgery. If not treated on time, these clots may break apart and may travel to the brain, heart, or lungs in case of a severe situation. Therefore, blood clots observed after surgery should be immediately operated on to avoid worsening.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Total shoulder replacement surgery is a helpful option for people suffering from shoulder pain and immobility for a long time. The surgery also has its share of risks and complications that can worsen the situation of not being appropriately treated at the right time.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/shoulder-replacement-surgery-procedure-risks-and-post-surgery/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/shoulder-replacement/about/pac-20519121
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8290-shoulder-replacement