If you're about to undergo shoulder replacement surgery, you might be wondering how its usually done. You might also have some questions in mind, like what materials are used and whatnot. Or maybe you're here because you're just curious how its done and its sparked your interest. Either way, it will be nice to know how shoulder replacement surgery goes, right? Here we find out.
Shoulder Anatomy
Your shoulder consists of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle). The human shoulder is a ball-and-socket type of joint, just like the hip bone. The ball of your upper arm bone fits into a shallow socket in your shoulder blade called the glenoid. It is this type of anatomy that makes it possible for both your shoulder and arm to be able to execute a lot of actions.The Procedure
A conventional shoulder replacement procedure aims to mimic the normal anatomy of the shoulder. Hence, the actual procedure involves replacing the damaged humeral head with a metal ball. Then, the surgeon places a new smooth plastic surface on the glenoid. This use of metal on plastic surfaces is the hallmark of virtually all shoulder replacement implant systems. Surgeons also recommend partial shoulder replacement which involves replacement of the ball component only. In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the surgeon switches the socket and metal ball instead. The surgeon then places the metal ball to the socket and the plastic cup is fixed to the upper end of the humerus.Candidates
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend that you undergo shoulder replacement surgery. People who benefit from surgery often have:- Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities, such as reaching into a cabinet, dressing, toileting, and washing.
- Moderate to severe pain that prevents a good night's sleep.
- Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder.
- Failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as pain medications and/or physical therapy.
