Shoulder replacement surgery is a treatment option that replaces parts of your shoulder with artificial ones. Doctors typically recommend shoulder replacement surgery to address degenerative diseases, severe injuries, or significant levels of pain.
As with any medical procedure, it’s always beneficial to prepare ahead of time. Continue reading to learn what to expect from a shoulder replacement surgery.
Why Would I Need Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended by your orthopedic doctor if you have suffered an injury to your shoulder that causes loss in motion, pain, and weakness. A severe fracturing of the shoulder bone will also warrant a replacement.
Underlying medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, which is the wear and tear of joints, can also require shoulder replacement surgery. Symptoms of these ailments include stiffness, numbness, and shoulder pain.
Another reason why you would require shoulder replacement surgery is a prior replacement surgery that failed to relieve symptoms. This can be due to complications such as misalignment of the replacement or degradation of the artificial joint.
What Can I Expect?
Before The Surgery
One to two weeks before the surgery, you will undergo a series of diagnostic tests to confirm that you can undergo surgery safely and what can be done to reduce the risk of complications. Typically, these are blood tests and an electrocardiogram. If you have diabetes or any heart conditions, you must inform your doctor at this time.
You will also have to inform your doctor of any medicines or supplements you’re taking. You may have to stop taking specific medications, depending on your doctor’s advice. If you smoke or drink regularly, tell your doctor.
On the day of the surgery, you will be required to not drink or eat for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure. You will also have to refrain from taking certain medications that your doctor will tell you about ahead of time.
Once in the hospital, you will be asked to remove any accessories such as jewelry, dentures, and glasses. Nail polish should also be removed prior to the surgery.
Nurses will then take your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature before administering the medication needed for the surgery. Afterward, an intravenous line for fluid, more medication, and antibiotics will be inserted into your arm. You will then be placed on a hospital bed and transported to the operating room.
During The Surgery
Once in the operating room, you will receive anesthesia. There are two types of anesthesia: general and regional. General anesthesia will put you to sleep for the procedure, while regional anesthesia will numb your shoulder and arm, so you don’t feel pain.
Your orthopedic surgeon will make a cut over your shoulder joint to create an opening. Depending on the type of replacement surgery, either the ball, stem, or both will be taken out and replaced with artificial ones. These replacements will be cemented in place before closing the cut with staples or sutures. The wound will then be bandaged. Normally, the surgery takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to complete.
After The Surgery
Afterward, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be checked and monitored. You will also be given medicine to deal with the pain. An X-ray of your shoulder will be taken during your stay.
You will be placed in a brace to protect your shoulder while it heals. This will be taken off during physical therapy sessions, which begin a day after the operation to prevent stiffness and promote healing.
Your physical therapist will give you a list of simple exercises and stretches that you should do on a regular basis at home. These exercises will help you stretch and strengthen your shoulder.
The time it takes to fully recover from the surgery varies from person to person. It also depends on the type of shoulder replacement you got done (partial vs. total replacement). Overall, recovery is a lengthy process that may take 4 months to a year.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Near Me in Massachusetts
Shoulder replacement surgery is a serious operation that can be the solution to major fractures or degenerative diseases. There is a lot of preparation done for it and the recovery process takes a lot of time and effort. However, it will result in pain relief and major improvements in movement.
To get the best care for your shoulders, look no further than Advanced Orthopedics New England. Our experienced orthopedic surgeons are experts at giving patient-centric diagnoses and treatments for shoulder problems. Board-certified and highly trained, our doctors are also able to provide care to a number of other orthopedic problems.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call our offices at (860) 728-6740. We look forward to serving you!
