Traumatic injury, repetitive motion and the ravages of osteoarthritis can necessitate shoulder arthroplasty, or shoulder joint replacement.
Reverse shoulder replacement surgery was developed to utilize healthy deltoid muscles for movement, rather than a damaged rotator cuff. It has helped thousands normalize strength and function. Here’s what to expect during recovery from this highly successful orthopedic procedure.
Expect a New Shoulder Joint Configuration
Shoulder joint arthroplasty is a surgery that requires opening the shoulder joint. The surgeon removes the damaged head of the humerus, or upper arm bone, and the glenoid, or shoulder socket on the shoulder blade. These joint components can be damaged through trauma or gradually wear away due to continual motions and/or osteoarthritis. The soft tissue of the shoulder can also be damaged and cause pain.
Once removed, the humeral head and the glenoid are replaced with metal and plastic parts. However, unlike standard shoulder replacement, the ball and socket are reversed. The new humeral head, or ball, is placed at the scapula, and the new socket is attached to the end of the upper arm bone. This configuration avoids use of the rotator cuff. Instead, it allows the deltoid muscle of the upper arm to lift the arm with strength and efficiency.
Expect a Limited Hospital Stay and a Program of Physical Therapy
After the procedure, reverse shoulder replacement patients go straight home. Physical therapy exercises begin right away to speed healing and to encourage strength and range of motion.
At-home exercises continue after discharge from the hospital. Most patients attend our therapy clinics for intensive rehabilitation. As the weeks progress, people can do more and more normal tasks but should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous workouts, contact sports, extreme reaching and other movements.
Rest when tired; good hydration and nutritious meals advance healing.
Expect Few to No Complications
Our physicians perform highly successful orthopedic procedures. Accordingly, complications, such as infection or need for revision, are extremely rare.
However, it’s important that you and your caregiver follow post-operative instructions carefully. This way, you can ensure the best possible therapeutic outcomes.
Expect Pain Relief
Pain and limited function typically send people to our office to explore shoulder surgery options. With reverse shoulder replacement surgery, patients experience effective pain relief in 85 to 90 percent of cases.
However, the procedure itself does involve some procedural and recovery discomfort. For the surgery, expect your surgeon to select the type of anesthesia appropriate for you and your overall health.
To control pain during the immediate postoperative period, the surgeon may implement a temporary nerve block along with oral pain meds. Then, patients are maintained on over-the-counter pain medications. The doctor determines when and how much hand and arm movement is advisable.
Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy actually begins in the hospital and continues after discharge for at least six weeks. Your actual therapy plan will be individualized to create the best possible movement, limit pain and normalize your everyday tasks.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Recovery in Southwest Florida
At Advanced Orthopedic Center, we have 11 board-certified orthopedic doctors on staff, including Dr. Robert Stchur, one of Florida’s top doctors in joint replacement surgery. He performs over 800 shoulder surgeries a year with excellent results.
To learn more about reverse shoulder replacement and to discover if it would help your shoulder function and relieve pain, call us at (941) 629-6262. Additionally, you can request your consultation by filling in our form. We have locations in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Venice, FL.
