What is shoulder replacement?
Shoulder joint is a complex joint designed to provide extreme flexibility. However due to this flexibility there is some compromise in the stability of the joint.
Just like hip and knee, the shoulder joint is also prone to arthritis, although in much less number of people.
Since it’s not a weight bearing joint, a little amount of arthritis in the shoulder joint is usually not very disabling. Some patients do have arthritis of the shoulder to such an extent that it causes a lot of trouble in their day to day activities.
When is shoulder replacement done?
Shoulder replacement is an excellent choice of treatment in severely damaged shoulder joint where nonsurgical treatments like medications and activity changes are no longer helpful for relieving pain.
Conditions where this operation is done:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-Traumatic arthritis
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
- Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
- Irreparable fractures
Types of shoulder replacement:
Shoulder replacement are of these types:
- Total shoulder replacement
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Stemmed Hemiarthroplasty
- Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty