During a total shoulder replacement, both the head of the humerus and the glenoid are replaced with artificial surfaces.
Replacing the worn surfaces with prostheses will reduce the pain and increase the range of movement of the shoulder joint.
The operation normally takes around 2 hours.
The average age for people having a shoulder replacement is around 70 years, with many people being well over this age.
An artificial shoulder joint will usually last for around 10-15 years.
The most common reason for Shoulder replacement surgery is Trauma ( New & Previous).
Other conditions :
– Degenerative osteoarthritis
– Rheumatoid arthritis
– Septic arthritis
Who is offered shoulder replacement surgery
I offer shoulder replacement surgery to Low Demand & Elderly Patients only when other modalities of treatment fail to improve pain and function such as:
– NSAID’s (Painkillers)
– Physiotherapy
– Steroid Injections
– Arthroscopy
Risks of Shoulder replacement surgery
• Superficial / Deep Infection
• Excessive Bleeding
• Instability / Dislocation
• Stiffness of the shoulder
• Vascular / Nerve injury.
• Aseptic / Septic Loosening
• Fractures around shoulder either during or after the operation
• Thrombosis/blood clots.