Shoulder joint replacement or shoulder orthoplasty is surgery involving removal of diseased and damaged parts of shoulder joints and replacing it with artificial joint-prosthesis. The procedure can be total joint replacement or partial joint replacement where all three components of the shoulder or two components are replaced respectively.

Who can have shoulder replacement?
             If you have rheumatoid arthritic or osteo arthritis which has failed all conservative treatment like anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy. It can also be done in case of shoulder joint trauma or injury.

Preparation before operation
             Let your physician know about the medicines you are taking(including vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements). screening tests like blood tests, ECG, x-ray, MRI, examination by an orthopedic surgeon will be performed one week prior to the Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery. Fasting should be advisable before 12 hours of the operation.

How is shoulder joint replacement done?
             You will be given general anesthesia. The incision is 3 - 4 inches long and is made on the front of the shoulder from the collarbone (clavicle) to the point where the shoulder muscle (deltoid) attaches to the upper arm bone.Your upper arm bone (humerus) will be dislocated from the socket to expose the ball-like end of your upper arm. The portion of your bone covered by articular cartilage is removed. The cavity of your joint will be cleaned and enlarged to create a hollow that matches the shape and size of the implant stem. The head or the rounded surface of the humerus will be cleaned and an appropriate size of the artificial ball will be selected and attached. If the socket is damaged, your surgeon will implant the glenoid component as well to replace the socket during

Shoulder Joint Replacement
             The surgeon prepares the socket surface by removing the remaining damaged cartilage. The plastic component is then fitted into the socket surface and cemented into position. Your surgeon reattaches the supporting tendons and closes the incision. Your arm will be placed in a sling and a support pillow will be placed under the elbow to protect the repair. A drainage tube will be inserted to remove excess fluids. The drainage tube will be removed on the next day of the Shoulder Joint Replacementsurgery. The Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery may last any where from 3 - 4 hours.



Post operation requirement
              Physical therapy will be required in the next few hours after the Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery. Physical therapy will consist of  exercises for the shoulder joint. Your therapist will train you on how to bend and extend your arm. It is advisable to wear a sling all the time for at least one month after the Shoulder Joint Replacementsurgery. You will be Complety recovered in 2 - 3 months. Physiotherapy may be required for the first 6 weeks after the ShoulderJoint Replacementsurgery. You may need to do these exercises several times a day for the next 4 - 6 weeks after theShoulder Joint Replacementsurgery.

Possible risks
Loosening of the artificial joint – this may happen due to bone loss or failure of Shoulder Joint Replacement procedure
Infection of the implant
Damage to the nerves or blood vessels
Pulmonary embolism
Fracture - The upper arm bone may get fractured during or afterShoulder Joint Replacement surgery.

Video:
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty