Shoulder replacement surgery or shoulder arthroplasty is an increasingly common surgical procedure. It is effective in easing pain and improving shoulder functions, shoulder arthroplasty is of 3 types
1. Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery is done for patients with degenerative osteoarthritis or old-age-related wear and tear of shoulder-joint cartilage.
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery is a common procedure for people with severe shoulder damage, typically caused by arthritis, injury, or other joint conditions. This surgery aims to relieve pain and restore shoulder function by replacing damaged parts of the joint with artificial components. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, where the ball (the head of the arm bone) fits into the socket (part of the shoulder blade). During total shoulder replacement, the damaged ball is replaced with a metal one, and in some cases, the socket is replaced with a plastic component to mimic natural shoulder movement.
Candidates for this surgery often suffer from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory arthritis. When less invasive treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections no longer alleviate symptoms, total shoulder replacement becomes a viable option. Recent advances in implant designs and techniques, such as stemless total shoulder replacement, help conserve more of the patient’s bone, improving the fit and potential longevity of the implant. These implants allow for more natural movement and are particularly beneficial for younger or more active patients.
Recovery after total shoulder replacement involves a commitment to physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility. Patients generally begin gentle movement exercises soon after surgery and gradually progress to more intensive activities. A physical therapist will guide them through exercises designed to increase shoulder range of motion and build muscle strength. The recovery process can vary depending on factors like the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health, but most people can return to daily activities within a few months.
The primary goal of shoulder replacement surgery is to reduce pain, increase shoulder mobility, and allow patients to enjoy daily activities without discomfort. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function following the procedure, which can be life-changing, especially for those with previously limited movement.
In summary, total shoulder replacement is a safe and effective solution for individuals with severe shoulder joint damage that hasn’t responded to other treatments. With modern implant options and dedicated post-surgery therapy, this procedure offers a promising path to improved quality of life.
2. Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery is done for patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy and also in patients with 4-part fractures in the elderly with severe osteoporosis.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery is a type of shoulder surgery that is done when a person’s rotator cuff muscles are severely damaged or torn. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that help lift and rotate the arm. If these muscles are too weak or injured, a regular shoulder replacement won’t work well.
In reverse shoulder replacement, the normal structure of the shoulder is switched. The metallic/ artificial ball is placed on the native socket or the shoulder socket and the shoulder ball is replaced with the artificial socket.
This design allows other muscles, like the deltoid, to take over the function of the shoulder like lifting and rotation of the arm, even when the rotator cuff isn’t working.
This surgery is usually recommended for people who have severe arthritis, large rotator cuff tears, or previous shoulder surgeries that haven’t been successful and in four part fractures of the upper end of the arm bone among the elderly with poor bone quality.
Physical therapy is needed after surgery to regain strength and mobility.
3. Hemi-Shoulder Replacement
Hemi-shoulder replacement Surgery is occasionally used for younger patients with 4-part fractures not amicable to fixation and also AVN of the humeral head.
Hemi-Shoulder Replacement, also known as partial shoulder replacement, is a surgery where only the ball (the top of the arm bone) is replaced, not the socket. This procedure is done when the ball part of the shoulder joint is damaged, but the socket (part of the shoulder blade) is still in good condition.
In this surgery, the damaged ball of the arm bone is removed and replaced with a metal implant, while the natural socket is left intact. Hemi-shoulder replacement is often recommended for people who have conditions like fractures, arthritis, or a damaged arm bone but have a healthy socket.
The goal is to reduce pain and improve the ability to move the shoulder. It’s a less extensive surgery compared to total shoulder replacement, and recovery includes physical therapy to help regain strength and movement in the arm.
Dr Banarji’s Expertise
Dr Banarji BH has specialised in shoulder replacement surgery and has helped countless patients with his patient care as well. This is an open surgery in which the surgeon removes the damaged part and replaces it with an artificial component, surgeon. Based on the disease and its symptoms, the surgeon either replaces the head of the humerus ball or both the ball and the socket. This aids in restoring muscle strength and muscle mobility.
