The shoulder is a joint connected to tendons and muscles, allowing the arm to perform a wide range of movements, from scratching the back to throwing a perfect shot. 

Pain, weakness, or stiffness in the shoulder may be caused by injury, overuse, or arthritis, but you don’t have to endure it. Shoulder replacement surgery will relieve your pain and restore your shoulders to normal function. For better recovery results, you should contact Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic at Hyderabad. 

Dr Chandra Shekar. Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic at Hyderabad provides the best partial shoulder replacement surgery and the best treatment for a shoulder injury. Let us see this article to know more about Partial shoulder replacement surgery in Hyderabad.

What is partial shoulder replacement surgery? 

Shoulder replacement, also called shoulder arthroplasty, replaces the fragile bone and cartilage in the shoulder joint with metal and plastic sheets. The shoulder is composed of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the clavicle (clavicle), and the scapula (scapula). 

Partial shoulder replacement or hemiarthroplasty is a surgical procedure used only when the part of the shoulder joint is weakened by cartilage. This operation replaces part of the joint (ball) instead of the entire joint. The damaged area is replaced with a new artificial surface. There are many options for performing this surgery. 

Causes of partial shoulder replacement surgery 

Common causes of partial shoulder replacement surgery are:-

• Post-traumatic shoulder deformities
• Extreme bone deformities
• Extreme humeral fractures in elderly patients. 

Why is partial shoulder replacement recommended? 

• This surgical procedure is suitable for severe and persistent shoulder osteoarthritis, affecting only the humeral head or joint ball. 
• Osteoporosis is a common disease in which bone tissue wears out, causing adjacent bones to rub against each other, leading to discomfort and stiffness. In this case, removing the injured part of the humerus will reduce the pressure because the end of the bone is no longer in contact, thereby reducing the pain. 
• When all possible conservative methods, such as rest, anti-inflammatory drugs failed, surgery is the treatment option. 

Good candidates for shoulder replacement 

Good candidates for shoulder replacement include those with:

• Moderate to severe pain at rest
• Extreme pain that interferes with daily life
• The range of motion is severely reduced
• Already tried rigorous therapies such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and activity adjustment, 
• When physical therapy is not effective for arthritis patients.

What are the advantages of partial replacement surgery? 

After a shoulder replacement, the patient may feel:

• Reduced/disappeared shoulder pain
• Improved gait
• Increased energy
• Less invasive 
• And lower risk than total shoulder replacement surgery. 

How to prepare for surgery? 

A few weeks before the operation, your doctor may recommend a full physical examination to determine if it is safe to operate. In addition, you need to stop taking these medicines a few weeks before surgery. Some medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and arthritis treatments, can cause excessive bleeding. Your doctor will even recommend that you stop taking blood thinners.

How is the partial shoulder replacement surgery performed? 

Under anaesthesia, surgery is performed. After incisions at the front of the shoulder joint, the doctor will insert the implanted source into the arm bone. It can be glued or cemented strongly. When the implant is placed correctly, the surgeon may close the incision with sutures. 

What are the risks and complications of surgery? 

For partial shoulder replacement surgery, complications are rare. However, risks and complications may include infection, shoulder dislocation, persistent pain, blood clots, nerve damage.

How is recovery? 

A good recovery plan is important to the success of partial shoulder replacement surgery. The doctor may recommend that the patient wear a sling for three to four weeks. After the operation, you will begin gentle physical therapy immediately. This will help restore movement and work of the shoulder joint. It may take several months to fully recover. Although, depending on various factors, it may vary. 

After partial surgical repair of the shoulder, most patients spend the night in the hospital. This surgeon will examine you and improve the postoperative pain relief plan. The physical therapist will also show you some light exercises that you can do at home. Then, after overnight, most patients can go home. 

About five to six weeks after surgery, physical therapy can be started to help build strength and improve range of motion. 10-12 weeks after the operation, you should be able to resume previous activities. Your doctor may restrict some activities based on your general health, type of surgery, and recovery schedule. If a person has undergone a total shoulder replacement surgery, it will take 2-3 months to fully recover. 

Conclusion 

Most people have less pain and increased range of motion after shoulder replacement surgery. This treatment is considered safe and effective to help patients with shoulder pain. If you are suffering from shoulder pain and think you may need a partial or full shoulder replacement, contact Dr Chandra Shekar at 9959588389.