Total Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery in Bangalore

When is a Shoulder Joint Surgery Recommended?

If conservative measures have not resolved the symptoms and there is confirmed substantial dysfunction in the shoulder joint, then shoulder joint surgery may be recommended. These are some typical indications for suggesting shoulder joint surgery:

• Severe Pain: When conservative treatment for ongoing shoulder pain such as medication, physical therapy, and rest failed to alleviate chronic shoulder pain.
• Limited mobility: Limited range of motion in one or both arms due to a joint restriction or tightness of the muscles. If limited mobility restricts your capability to use your arms for daily activities or greatly impacts your life.
• Traumatic Injuries: After a severe shoulder injury such as a fracture, dislocation, or torn rotator cuff that does not respond to conservative treatment.
• Rotator cuff: Cases where the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, is torn beyond ordinary methods of dealing with the conditions.
• Instability: Individuals with recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability due to a ligament laxity or another structural defect
• Arthritis: When arthritis pain continues and interferes with daily activities or sleep. In the case of conservative attempts to control pain, such as Tylenol or analgesic medications, have been less effective.
• Impingement Syndrome: When tendons or bursa in your shoulder become compressed by the bones in the joint, surgery may be recommended if other treatments haven’t worked.
• Labral Tears: If the tear in the labrum which is the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder deepens, and the nonsurgical treatments do not help.

Different Types of Shoulder Joint Surgeries

What Happens During a Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder joint surgeries typically take about one or two hours. The exact procedure during a shoulder joint surgery can vary depending on the specific condition being addressed and the surgeon's approach. Here is what typically happens during a shoulder joint replacement surgery:

• Anesthesia: The patient will be given either general or regional anesthesia. General anesthesia will put you to sleep, while regional anesthesia numbs the region where the surgery is being performed.
• Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the shoulder to access the damaged joint. The size and number of incisions will depend on the type of procedure chosen (traditional or arthroscopic).
• Preparation of the Joint: The surgeon carefully removes the damaged or arthritic portions of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the glenoid (shoulder socket). This may involve reshaping the bone surfaces to prepare them for the artificial components.
• Implant placement: Artificial components made of metal, plastic, or both are inserted into the prepared bone surfaces.
• Functional check: The surgeon then checks for the stability and function of the joint and ensures proper alignment.
• Closure: Once the artificial components are securely placed in the joint, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples. 

The specific details of the surgery can vary based on factors such as the patient's condition, the surgeon's approach, and the type of implants used. 

Risks/Benefits of Shoulder Joint Replacement

Risks

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site, which may require action.
• Nerve Damage: Surgery carries a risk of nerve injury, which could result in temporary or permanent numbness, weakness, or changes in sensation in the shoulder or surrounding areas.
• Stiffness or loss of range of movement: Some patients may experience further stiffness or a loss of some of their range of movement in the shoulder following surgery, especially if the post-operative rehabilitation protocols are not adhered to fully.
• Blood clots: Surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lung (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening if they are not detected and treated promptly.
• Failure to Improve Symptoms: Following the intervention, symptoms may not improve, or may even get worse in some cases, requiring further treatment, including revision surgery

Benefits

• Alleviate Chronic Pain: Shoulder joint surgery can drastically reduce chronic pain and discomfort often caused by rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, or arthritis.
• Improved Function: Surgery should help to improve the strength, stability, and range of motion of the shoulder joint.
• Preventing Further Damage: It is less likely that you will have your rotator cuff tear or shoulder instability after treatment. This may slow down the degenerative process.
• Improved quality of life: Shoulder joint surgery is often done to help improve the quality of life in each individual, by reducing pain, enhancing function, and increasing mobility. 
• Long-term relief: With shoulder joint surgery, most people can return to their normal daily activities without shoulder pain. 

It is essential to discuss all the risks and benefits of shoulder joint surgery with your surgeon well in advance to make informed decisions.