Partial Shoulder replacement

Damage to the shoulder joint can result in movement limitation and significant pain. If the damage is severe, the natural joint can be replaced with an artificial joint and joint activity can be improved.

When is the surgery  recommended?

Following a shoulder injury or prolonged abrasion, the cartilage that covers the parts of the bone facing the joint may soften and erode. If the cartilage damage is significant enough, the bones can rub against each other and cause pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints.

The most common cause of this injury is age-related or osteoarthritis. Other causes can include autoimmune inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation following an injury, Rotator Cuff Tear, Avascular Necrosis of the shoulder or a significant fracture of the shoulder which does not allow repair.

When the pain restricts you from performing daily activities such as showering, using the toilet or at rest, and if you experience movement restriction or weakness, you may be advised to have joint replacement surgery. This is on the condition that attempts to treat it with anti-inflammatory drugs, injections and exercise have not resulted in a sufficient improvement.

There are several options for joint replacement and the decision to perform the surgery will be made by an orthopedic specialist after a thorough patient physical examination and examination of the condition of the joint.

The course of the surgery

The shoulder joint is built like a crater and a leaf. The 'crater'’ is the scapula and the 'leaf' is the arm bone. In partial replacement of the joint, only the side of the humerus involved in the joint is replaced with a special prosthesis. There are several types of partial surgeries, where only the joint head or a more extensive part can be replaced, depending on the reason for the surgery, the age of the patient and other findings. Sometimes the exact method of surgery will be decided only during the surgery - depending on the findings identified throughout the procedure.

The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia, regional anesthesia or a combination of both, and lasts about two hours.

Preparation for surgery

Prior to surgery, a thorough examination must be performed by an orthopedic specialist, and the preliminary examinations performed along with medical records must be examined in order to formulate the best possible surgery for the particular patient. If necessary, you may be asked to perform additional tests.

In addition, should the surgery be performed under general anesthesia, a preliminary evaluation by an anesthesiologist must be executed. It is mandatory to be on a full food fast according to staff guidelines.

Recovery after partial shoulder replacement

In the first few weeks after surgery there will be a significant limitation in shoulder movement, which will affect many of the patient’s daily activities. Support from a family member or a caregiver will be needed during this period. The hand is usually placed in an arm sling for two or three weeks after surgery, along with painkillers.

In most cases, it is forbidden to drive in the first two months post surgery, and in any case the return to routine and rehabilitation process should be conducted gradually and in accordance with the instructions of the medical staff.

Possible complications

As with any surgical procedure, a partial replacement of the shoulder involves risks associated with anesthesia and the surgical intervention itself. Infection, bleeding and even nerve damage around the shoulder are rare complications, but can develop.

In addition, shoulder injury such as stiffness, discomfort, dislocation of the joint or fracture of the humerus may develop. In rare cases, a blood clot can also develop in the veins around the joint.