What is shoulder joint replacement?
Shoulder joint replacement (total shoulder arthroplasty) is very successful surgery for relieving shoulder joint pain to help you resume everyday activities. If non-operative treatments are no longer helpful for controlling your shoulder pain, you may want to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery in Perth.
In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components called a prosthesis. This is usually done when the shoulder joint has become very painful or arthritic, limiting a person's ability to move and causing significant discomfort.
My shoulder replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves making an incision on the front or side of the shoulder. I then carefully remove the damaged parts of the shoulder joint, including the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and glenoid (socket in the scapula).
Once all damaged tissue has been removed, I insert artificial shoulder components to replace the removed shoulder tissue. These can include a metal ball for the humeral head and a plastic cup for the glenoid socket. In some cases, additional components such as a stem or screws may be used to secure these components in place.
There are two main options for shoulder replacement in Perth:
- Anatomic total shoulder replacement
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
What is anatomic total shoulder replacement?
Both the head of the humerus and the glenoid are replaced with a humeral and glenoid prosthesis. This is mainly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder, where the rotator cuff tendons are intact and still functioning.
What is a reverse total shoulder replacement?
In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the socket and metal ball are the opposite of a conventional anatomic total shoulder replacement. The metal ball is fixed to the glenoid, and the cup is fixed to the humerus. This changes the biomechanics of the shoulder for people without a functioning rotator cuff, allowing the deltoid muscle to take over the role of moving the arm.
It was originally used for patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, but the indications have since expanded to include many other diagnoses, such as fracture, other forms of arthritis, and failed previous shoulder replacement.
For more information, see my article on new indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and my article- An update on reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Information about rotator cuff surgery in Perth.
Personalised shoulder replacement in Perth
Shoulder replacement surgery is highly technical. It should be performed by a surgeon with experience and training in this procedure. Dr Blakeney is a specialist shoulder replacement surgeon in Perth.
Every patient has a different anatomy and needs the shoulder replacement best suited to them. Positioning the shoulder replacement accurately ensures the best results. I will take the time to plan your surgery to ensure successful outcomes. Some patients will require patient-specific guides that are produced by 3D printing a model of your shoulder from a CT scan.
Planning and executing shoulder prosthesis position
In some patients, a bespoke, custom-made prosthesis exactly matched to their shoulder joint is required.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Recovery
How long is the stay in hospital after shoulder replacement surgery?
After your shoulder has been replaced, you will stay in a Perth hospital for one to two nights. A physiotherapist will visit you the morning after the surgery when you are in the hospital.
How long is sling wearing after shoulder replacement surgery?
You will need to wear an arm sling for a period of time after your shoulder replacement operation. You can bring your arm out of the sling to do your exercises.
How long should a shoulder wound be kept dry after shoulder replacement surgery?
The wound should be kept dry for 2 weeks after your shoulder has been replaced.
How is pain relieved after shoulder surgery?
Take regular Paracetamol (Panadol 1g 3-4 times/day) and anti-inflammatories (Celecoxib 100mg twice daily with food). Use the stronger painkillers (Tapentadol or Oxycodone) as required in the first few days.
When should I make a follow-up appointment after shoulder replacement surgery in Perth?
Your follow-up appointment will be about 2 weeks after the surgery. At this visit, your wounds will be checked, and sutures will be removed if necessary.
When should physiotherapy start after shoulder surgery?
After your shoulder has been replaced, specialized physiotherapy isn't necessary. The exercises demonstrated in the hospital will suffice for this period. However, after this initial two-week phase, consulting a physiotherapist becomes crucial. Engaging in physiotherapy sessions from 3 to 6 months post-surgery is essential for optimal recovery. This guidance ensures that patients navigate their recovery journey effectively, leveraging professional physiotherapy support in Perth for better health outcomes.
What are options for shoulder replacing surgery in Perth?
When it comes to treating shoulder injuries, there are various options available depending on the severity of the injury and the individual's needs/level of physical activity. In mild cases, rest and shoulder strapping may provide relief, while in more serious cases, surgery for replacing shoulder joints might be a better option. Physical therapy, commonly known as physiotherapy, is another important aspect of treating shoulder injuries.
OTHER SHOULDER SURGERY IN PERTH
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (RTSA) news
Enquiry
WA Orthopaedic Consulting Rooms
Perth
St John of God
Medical Clinic
Suite 213
25 McCourt Street,
Subiaco WA 6008
Albany
Great Southern
Specialist Centre,
55 Cockburn Rd ,
Mira Mar WA 6330
Phone: 08 9489 8733
Email: blakeney@wcortho.com.au
Fax: 08 9489 8735
Perth Orthopaedic Operating Theatres
St John of God Hospital
12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco WA 6008