It helps restore the function and mobility of the shoulder joint, while also reducing pain.
What Is Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
In most cases, this surgery is an inpatient and elective procedure.
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Generally, patients stay in the hospital for two to three days following the procedure.
Contraindications
Total shoulder replacement is typically performed on older adults.
An MRI may be done to determine the quality of the bone.
Depending on other patient conditions, additional tests may be required.
Location
Typically, patients have total shoulder replacement surgery in a hospital setting.
Sometimes surgical team members wear hood coverings to prevent possible contamination during the procedure.
Patients may be surprised to see people in full protective gear as they enter the operating room.
The nerve block will be performed prior to arriving in the operating room.
The anesthesia providers will attach monitors to your back and chest on the nonoperative side to record vitals signs.
The patient will be put to sleep with general anesthesia and a breathing tube will be inserted.
Once the airway is safely established, the surgical team will begin positioning the patient into a sitting position.
The surgical nurse will use an antiseptic solution to prepare the shoulder for surgery.
The steps of the surgery are as follows:
The surgery typically lasts two hours.
Once the dressings and shoulder sling are in place, the patient will have the breathing tube removed.
As with any surgery, there is some pain associated with the procedure.
Patients who had a nerve block may not experience pain until later when the block wears off.
Recovery
Healing
The surgical wound will be covered with a dressing.
If the dressing is waterproof, it may be possible to shower.
Surgical wounds should not be submerged under water until fully healed and closed to prevent infection.
For patients with desk jobs, the potential to return to work is about two to three weeks.
Patients with heavy or physical labor will be out of work for around four months.
Around six weeks after the surgery, patients will be able to do light activity with the shoulder.
Each surgeon has a different preference for when their patients should start physical therapy after the procedure.
If surgery is recommended, its important to be prepared for needing extra support during recovery.
Keeping the incision clean is essential to preventing an infection.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Shoulder joint replacement.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Shoulder replacement surgery.
University of California San Francisco Health.Recovering from shoulder replacement surgery.
