Shoulder replacement means replacing one or all components of the shoulder joint. The most common indication for shoulder replacement is arthritis. But it may be carried out in cases of complex trauma as a salvage procedure.
Hemi-replacement of the shoulder joint is done when only the humeral head is damaged or the cartilage is lost. In cases In cases where the cartilage of the glenoid as well as the humeral head is damaged benefit from a total shoulder replacement where in the damaged cartilage of the glenoid (socket) as well the humeral head (ball) is replaced. In cases where the damage to the articular cartilage is associated with damage to the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder joint as well, the maximum benefit is achieved by doing a reverse shoulder replacement wherein the socket is placed on the arm bone and the ball is placed on the glenoid.
Indications
- Arthritis
- Complex trauma
- Avascular necrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rotator cuff arthropathy
Post operative
- Adequate pain relief by analgesics
- Muscle strengthening
- Physiotherapy is one of the most important aspects of post operative period after shoulder replacement
