Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that is recommended to improve symptoms like pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by various joint problems. The need for replacement surgery may arise as a result of both traumatic and non-traumatic causes. It involves the replacement of the damaged part of the shoulder joint with artificial Orthopedic Trauma Implants designed for that joint.
Shoulder Joint – An Overview
The shoulder joint is a type of ball and socket joint where the humeral head serves as the ball and the shoulder blade serves as the socket for the ball. This joint assists in various shoulder and arm movements that we perform in our day-to-day lives. Many conditions can affect this joint that ranges from traumatic events like accidents or sports injuries to conditions like arthritis.
The need for shoulder replacement arises when the condition gets transformed into a severe form and non-surgical methods cannot provide relief. Let us talk about this in detail
Why is Shoulder Joint Replacement Required?
Here are some conditions for which shoulder replacement surgery may be required:
Fractures
Fractures are common but, not in the shoulder. In most cases, the fracture can be managed either with medication and physiotherapy or repair surgery. But sometimes, the fracture is too severe that repair surgery doesn’t work and hence, joint replacement is needed. In some cases, replacement surgery is also recommended when the repair surgery fails.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff tear is a painful condition that affects the group of muscles and tendons present around the shoulder joint. Trauma, overuse, and bone spurs are some of the causes of the condition. In some cases, the injury leads to damage to the cartilage and the shoulder joint. Such cases may arise the need for shoulder replacement.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints and is characterized by damage to protective cartilage. When the condition is ignored for a long, it starts to become worse and affects the bones.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is a condition characterized by an overactive immune system. The inflammation caused by arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions can affect the cartilage while badly harming the joint.
Osteonecrosis
Another problem that may arise the need for joint replacement is osteonecrosis. It is a condition in which the blood supply to a bone gets affected. Over time, the affected bone collapses. If such a condition affects the shoulder joint, replacement surgery may be on the cards.
What Are the Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
The type of shoulder replacement surgery performed depends on the severity of the condition and its cause. Here are the types of surgeries that may be performed:
Total Replacement Surgery
In this type of shoulder replacement, both the ball and socket joints are replaced with artificial joints. This surgery is performed when the complete joint is badly damaged.
Partial Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Here, only the damaged ball portion of the shoulder joint is replaced with an orthopedic implant.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Here, both the ball and socket are replaced but, the artificial ball part is attached to the shoulder blade and the socket to the humerus. This surgery is often recommended when the rotator cuff is severely damaged.
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