Shoulder Replacement Surgery

A shoulder replacement surgery is a major procedure for the shoulder. The surgery is performed on the ball and socket joint and requires a few weeks of recovery. Infection is a common side effect, and antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce this risk. The patient may need several follow-up visits with their doctor to ensure that the surgery is going well. The arm will be in a sling for most of the recovery period. Typically, the patient must wait at least 6 weeks before driving or lifting weights.

Reverse total shoulder replacement surgery

Reverse total shoulder replacement Brisbane is a surgical procedure to replace the shoulder joint. It is typically done under general anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep during the procedure. Some people also receive an injection to block nerves. During the procedure, your healthcare provider will monitor your vital signs. The surgeon will make a cut in the skin near the top of the shoulder and through a layer of muscle underneath.

A surgeon will decide whether to perform this procedure based on the severity of your shoulder pain and your general health. It is also important to discuss any health conditions associated with the shoulder. Preoperative physicals are also required. Your facility will need a copy of your results, so make sure you have them before the procedure.

The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, perform X-rays, and an MRI scan to determine the extent of shoulder damage. If the joint damage is extensive, a reverse total shoulder replacement procedure may be recommended. The procedure will also repair rotator cuff damage, if necessary.

Ball-and-socket joint replacement

Ball-and-socket joint surgery for shoulder replacement involves replacing the ball and socket portion of the shoulder joint. These two bones are connected by ligaments and tendons. There is also cartilage that separates the bones. When the shoulder is functioning properly, the ball can move up and down and allow the arm to move from side to side.

Patients must be in good health prior to shoulder replacement surgery to prevent postoperative complications. One of the most serious complications is infection of the prosthesis. Patients should report any symptoms of infection to their physician. Some patients also have heart, kidney, bladder, or tooth problems. All of these issues should be evaluated and treated prior to the surgery.

The surgery will leave the shoulder weak for about a month, but it's possible to return to normal activities after about six weeks. It's important to avoid heavy lifting and activities that require pushing. Patients should expect to stay in the hospital for two to three days. It may take up to six weeks before they can drive on their own, so they should arrange for someone to drive them home.

Infection after shoulder replacement surgery

Following shoulder replacement surgery, an infection can occur in the joint space. Because the shoulder joint has limited defense mechanisms, infections are likely to persist for a long time and may result in additional surgery or prolonged treatment with antibiotics. In addition, infections may occur around the surgical implants. These can be severe and require intense treatment and sometimes, removal of the implanted material.

The infection may manifest as redness and drainage in the shoulder joint. Patients may also experience a fever. If these symptoms persist, patients should immediately contact their surgeon or visit the emergency room. This infection can be difficult to treat, and is a true medical emergency. Once diagnosed, treatment will involve oral or IV antibiotics and additional surgical procedures to clean the joint. This can be a lengthy and difficult process, but should be sought if the symptoms persist.

Several systematic reviews have examined the available evidence and discussed revision strategies for PJI after shoulder replacement surgery. They found that two-stage revision was more effective than one-stage surgery for the prevention and treatment of shoulder PJI. Additionally, the two-stage strategy had better results when it came to eradicating infection.

Recovery time

When you have a shoulder replacement surgery, you will have to take some time off work to heal. During this time, you will most likely experience pain and swelling. You will receive drugs to control the pain and cold compresses to reduce swelling. Afterwards, you will be able to go home and begin physical therapy. This will help you regain motion in your arm and shoulder. You will need to continue therapy for at least four weeks after the surgery.

Recovery time after shoulder replacement surgery will vary from patient to patient. It can take up to six weeks to fully recover after surgery. At the end of the six-week period, you should be able to lift and use your arm. You should be able to return to work or driving at some point. However, it is important to check with your surgeon before engaging in strenuous activities. You should not engage in contact sports until a year after surgery, and you should continue to visit your doctor for follow-up visits.

You will be instructed by your physical therapist to perform certain exercises to strengthen and regain strength in your shoulder. You should also take pain medication before exercising to help you stay comfortable. Recovery time after shoulder replacement surgery depends on the type of surgery you had done and on the type of physical therapy you received after the surgery.

Queensland Orthopaedic Clinic is a group of like-minded, sub-specialist trained medical professionals providing personalised patient care.