Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

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What is

Symptoms

Causes and Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Pre-Surgery

Post-Surgery

What is - Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

A Total Shoulder Replacement or Arthroplasty is the replacement of the shoulder joint with a prosthesis to provide pain relief and improve activity level and function.

Symptoms of Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Shoulder pain
Reduced range of motion of the affected shoulder
Night pain or pain at rest

Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty) - Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis (following a serious shoulder injury that caused damage to the bony structures, ligaments or tendons)
Rotator cuff tears
Avascular Necrosis (blood supply to the shoulder bone is disrupted due to chronic steroid use, deep sea diving, heavy drinking etc)
Severe fracture to the head of the upper arm bone

Diagnosis of Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

X-rays of the shoulder
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the shoulder
Computed Tomography (CT)

Treatment for Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Non-surgical options

Initial treatment involves reducing pain by resting and avoiding aggravating activities.
Painkillers can be taken to help reduce pain.
Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy with a physiotherapist

Surgical option

Based on your needs and severity, your surgeon may recommend surgery if non-surgical method fails to reduce your symptoms.

Pre-Surgery Preparation for Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Prepare front-buttoned shirts or blouses, preferably short-sleeved, for easy wearing.
Prepare Ice pack to relieve post-operation shoulder swelling and pain. Ice pack can also be bought in the hospital from the physiotherapist.
Prepare wet wipes for cleaning of underarm area on the operated shoulder.
For female patients you may want to consider getting a front hook, strapless brassiere as the bra strap may put pressure on your wound and also, you are not advisable to stretch your operated arm backwards
You may wish to practice using more of the unaffected arm to do daily activities like combing of hair, showering, having your meals etc. This is to familiarize yourself with the post-operative limitations of the affected shoulder.
As lifting of heavy weight on the operated arm is not recommended after surgery, you may want to do grocery shopping in advance or seek assistance from family or friends.

Post-Surgery Care for Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Postoperative rehabilitation vary depending upon the extent of the injury and repair, the quality of tissue and surgeon’s preference.

Your surgeon may order for an Arm Sling or Master Sling for the operated shoulder after the surgery. You may be required to wear the Arm Sling or Master Sling as much as possible, even when you sleep. Discuss with your surgeon on the duration of this sling. Do not discontinue the use of the sling until directed by the doctor.