| Joint replacement surgery for arthritis has become | | | | until at least the age of 60. |
| commonplace nowadays when it comes to areas | | | | As with other replacement procedures, a revision |
| such as hips or knees. | | | | operation- a replacement of a replacement is a |
| However, there is still the notion that shoulder | | | | difficult, risky, and complex procedure. Patients under |
| replacement is difficult and not very successful. It's | | | | the age of 60 might want to consider lesser options |
| something to consider only as the very last resort... | | | | before moving onto shoulder replacement. |
| and even then avoid it if possible. Why is this the | | | | Shoulder fusion is another procedure that can be |
| case? | | | | considered. While pain is ameliorated, function of the |
| One reason is that shoulder replacement is not | | | | shoulder is markedly restricted so it's not an option |
| commonly done. Only about a tenth as many | | | | for many patients. |
| shoulder replacements are done as hip or knee | | | | The reason total shoulder replacement is such a |
| replacements. However, new data from a Johns | | | | challenging operation is that it involves removing the |
| Hopkins study has demonstrated that while less | | | | head of the humerus (the top of the upper arm |
| commonly performed, shoulder replacement actually | | | | bone) and replacing it with a new prosthetic metal |
| has fewer complications and shorter hospital stays | | | | ball. Then, a resurfacing of the glenoid (shoulder |
| than either knee or hip replacement. | | | | socket) is done by by attaching a second |
| Shoulder replacements are less common than knee or | | | | saucer-shaped plastic component to the shoulder |
| hip replacement for three major reasons. | | | | blade. |
| The first is that the most common form of arthritis, | | | | Since the shoulder is a smaller and more complex |
| osteoarthritis- is a disease of weight-bearing joints | | | | joint than the knee or hip, it is more difficult to place |
| and the shoulder is not a weight-bearing joint. | | | | the prosthesis perfectly. Getting to the shoulder joint |
| Also, many people don't realize shoulder replacement | | | | is made more difficult because of the many nerves, |
| is an option or they may lack access to surgeons | | | | tendons and blood vessels in the area. |
| who can perform shoulder replacement surgery | | | | Also, the anatomy of the shoulder varies a lot from |
| because it is such a specialized procedure. | | | | person to person so many times standardized parts |
| Finally, many physicians have not been exposed to | | | | don't fit well. Placement of the implant is very |
| the excellent results that can be achieved, so they | | | | demanding from a surgical viewpoint. Done correctly, |
| are often reluctant to advise it for their patients. | | | | shoulder replacement results in a well-functioning |
| As with all joint replacement operations, the single | | | | shoulder with a durable implant. |
| biggest determinant of success is the skill and | | | | Also, and often most importantly, the operation |
| experience of the surgeon. | | | | eliminates the arthritis pain. |
| This is a particularly complex surgery, so it is | | | | After the procedure, patients can begin to move |
| mandatory to find a highly skilled surgeon at a major | | | | their shoulder right away. They should remain in the |
| medical center, particularly a center specializing in | | | | hospital at least two days though. Several months of |
| orthopedic surgery, where a large number of | | | | physical therapy are necessary to gain full functioning |
| shoulder replacements are done. | | | | and range of motion in the shoulder. |
| So if you're a patient with arthritis when do you | | | | Most patients can raise their arm by six weeks and |
| know you might be a candidate for shoulder | | | | resume full activities after three or four months. |
| replacement? If you're experiencing significant pain | | | | Patients experience the most dramatic improvement |
| due to your arthritis that is disabling or interfering | | | | in the first four months. However, they will still make |
| with sleep, that's an indication. Also, if you are having | | | | progress over the next year. |
| difficulty with daily functioning as a result of arthritis | | | | They often can return to their previous activities. |
| in the shoulder, that would be another indicator that | | | | However, surgeons caution patients that excessive |
| you should at least look into it. | | | | overuse of the joint will wear it out faster. |
| While shoulder arthritis is generally a condition that | | | | So... shoulder replacement surgery can be added to |
| occurs in older people, the patient must otherwise be | | | | the growing number of treatment options available |
| healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. | | | | for people with shoulder arthritis that has failed to |
| Shoulder prostheses last an average of 15 to 20 | | | | respond to more conservative measures. |
| years so if possible, it's best to delay the surgery | | | | |