Shoulder prothesis

A shoulder implant means that the shoulder joint is replaced with artificial material.

There are three types of shoulder implants or prosthesis:

The total shoulder prosthesis
The half ("hemi") shoulder prosthesis
The reverse shoulder prosthesis

Which prosthesis is most suitable for you depends on several factors, including the quality of the glenoid and the quality of the muscle/tendon cuff around the shoulder.

Pain in osteoarthritis is the most common complaint leading to a shoulderprosthesis.

The type of material used for its construction is very important. We have a vast array of shoulder prostheses to choose the optimal prosthesis for you according to your daily activity level, your age and medical history. Your orthopedic surgeon will choose the implant that suits you best.

Pain caused by osteoarthritis of the shoulder example, lead to:

The mobility is severely limited
Sleep disturbed by pain
The strength of the shoulder is reduced.

For more information for revision shoulder implants, click here

Treatment

The procedure for a shoulder prosthesis as follows:

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or spinal puncture
Your orthopedist starts on the front side of the shoulder, several muscles are stretched aside, and sometimes a tendon is detached.
Then remove the shoulder. Then, when it is replaced, the bowl prepared for shoulder prosthesis.
After the bowl in the correct form is milled, the shoulder prosthesis.
Next, the bone of the upper arm prepared for placement of a stem and head.
After a trial fitting of prosthesis, the surgeon places the final shoulder prosthesis
The wound is usually sealed with special staples.
After 14 days the stitches are removed

We use the latest technology to minimize tissue damage and the recovery takes place soon after the operation of the prosthesis.

Preparation

Prior to your surgery, you will have a physical examination. You visit the anesthesiologist to determine whether the operation is possible. Besides they will explain the various forms of anesthesia and pain management, both during and after surgery. More information about anesthesia, click here.
The day of surgery is scheduled. The total hospital stay is planned for three days. You arrive on the day of surgery at the clinic. The days after surgery are used to recover and to receive instructions and exercise from the physical therapist.
Usually you do not use your arm the next coming weeks. f you have lack of help at home please discuss this with the transfer nurse of the Vlietland hospital or home care setting of your home.

Day of surgery

On the day of surgery you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Personal items such as medicines, clothing and toiletries take you, and your crutches. Leave valuables at home as much as possible.

The procedure is as follows:

You appear sober at the hospital
After your medical preparation prior to surgery you will positioned and treated in the operating suite
After surgery you will be moved to the recovery room to recover from your anesthesia
Back on the ward the nurse checks you out.
a shoulder sling positioned to create a restriction of movement

The day after your surgery, the physical therapist will show you how to exercise and walking with crutches

Recovery

The recovery period after a shoulder replacement comprises approx 6 months.

The days after surgery you are still hospitalized. You get pain medication and you start physical therapy immediately with instructions for home practice.
Six weeks after surgery you use a sling to create a restriction of movement
After 24 hours the bandage may be removed from the shoulder.
After one day, the wound dressing will be removed and the wound assessed
The stitches will be removed about 14 days after surgery
After at least 6 weeks you can start with moving the arm slightly, but only after about half year fully recovered. You can drive if your shoulder feels strong and stable enough. The period during which work can be resumed depends on the type of work you do.

Complications

Surgical procedures carry some risk of complications. Complications may be related to anesthesia, for more information, click here.

Consult your surgeon with the following complications:

Bleeding in the knee after surgery
The wound remain sensitive sometimes long after surgery
Instability of the shoulder after surgery
Infection of the shoulder
Prosthesis get loose
Damage to the knee prosthesis structures around the knee, such as nerves or blood vessels

Sometimes the outcome of a shoulder surgery is not what you had expected. Please consult your surgeon.

Important: an infection elsewhere in the body (dental) poses a risk to your prosthesis. Please consult your surgeon or general practitioner

Expectations

Surgery often has good results resulting in lasting pain relief and improved function. The mobility will be reduced compared to the past, but your daily activities can usually perform well. Rehabilitation after getting shoulder prosthesis takes a long time, all together one year. The use of an artificial joint means that you should watch out for infections elsewhere in the body.

Frequent asked questions (FAQ)

How long will a shoulder replacement last?
10 to 15 years. Each individual has potential differences, especially heavy use can shorten the lifecycle.

If my shoulder prosthesis "worn", or loose, can I still get a new prosthesis?
Yes, revision surgery of the shoulder prosthesis is possible.

How do you decide which size implant is right for me?
The size will be measured via X-rays during surgery. Different sizes are available in the operating room.

I've heard of a reverse prosthesis. What is that?
Although most artificial joints resemble the shape and structure of the joint they're designed to replace, - the reverse shoulder -, reversing the position of the normal ball-and-socket design. The reverse shoulder flip-flops the normal position of the shoulder's ball and socket, putting a metal (titanium) stem topped with a plastic cup where the head of your humerus was and, on the other side, putting a metal plate and partial sphere (glenosphere) where the depression (glenoid cavity) on your scapula was. The purpose of this anatomical flip-flop is to give you a shoulder that is stable enough to let you raise your arm, even if your rotator cuff is torn beyond repair.

Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium.