Patients with shoulder arthritis who undergo shoulder arthroplasty, also known as shoulder replacement surgery, usually experience fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and less cost than arthritis patients who have hip replacement or knee replacement. Johns Hopkins researchers compared 625 shoulder procedures to 15,414 hip surgeries and 34,471 knee surgeries which were performed in Maryland between 1994 and 2001. All of the patients involved had osteoarthritis pain.
- Guide to Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis Screening Quiz
- Fast Facts About Osteoarthritis
- Test Your Knowledge: Osteoarthritis
According to the study which appeared in the February 2007 journal Clinical Orthopedics, there are significantly fewer shoulder surgeries performed perhaps because patients believe the procedure is more risky or more costly but that is not the case. The surgery is considered safe and patients who need it may be waiting too long.
Shoulder arthroplasty involves replacing the joint with a metal and plastic artificial prosthesis similar to the ball-and-socket artificial joint used for hips and knees. The scapula is scraped and fit with a plastic mount while the ball at the top of the humerus is replaced with a metal implant. If you are a candidate for shoulder arthroplasty, consult with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder surgery. Often, surgeons with stellar reputations and the most experience are affiliated with large teaching hospitals. If you have had shoulder replacement surgery, share your experience with us.
More Related Resources:
- More on Shoulder Arthritis
- Guide to Shoulder Problems
- Too Young for Joint Replacement?
- Joint Replacement: When is it the Right Time?
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery (Orthopedics at About.com)
- Shoulder Arthritis: Considering Shoulder Surgery Options
Join the Discussion:
Photo by Abe Lerner mostlymozart (iStockphoto)
did anyone here have total shoulder replacement. I need information on the after surgey rehab. Please tell me about how long the recovery was.
Thank you
Fran
Try posting on our forum to find people who may have had a shoulder replacement. Also here’s a good article from our Orthopedics Guide, Shoulder Replacement.
I have just had a complete shoulder replacement 2 months ago. I started exercising my arm buy using a tube for strengthing and streching. However I am experiencing encredible pain in my arm. Is this normal. What should I do. should I stop the exercise or continue. Sincerely Ricardo
If you are having pain you MUST contact your doctor/surgeon for advice on what to do. Your exercises may need to be modified or the pain could be due to some other reason. Call your doctor.
I just had my total shoulder replacement surgery 11 days ago, was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days, then released. The 1st day was the worst, no pain but just dizzy and no lying in bed forever, the pain pump nerve block inserted in my neck did a wonderful job keeping me pain free. Slowly regaining use of arm and range of motion, have been to 3 rehab sessions and am exercised & streching lightly at home. No pain, just tight muscles and ligaments/tendons, attachments ect. My rehab will be 6-8 months and will hopefully have 180* ROM in the arm, already am at 110* – If you make it past the 1st day, it’s all down hill from there!!!
Good job! Thanks for this kind of interesting stuff as I have been in a position to find here. I agree with most of what’s written here and I’ll be returning to this site again.
Thanks! I was a little confused on the topic. Great post.