Shoulder Replacement Surgery
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Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Lucknow
There are many simple actions that your shoulder is involved in. Think about everything that you do, right from the time you wake up in the morning. Be it brushing, or combing your hair, or even while reaching out to the table to pick your cup of coffee, your shoulders are important. In fact, it is often associated with emotions. But then, it is also one of the most ignored part when it comes to problems, unless the problem is way beyond being just painful.
The Shoulder Joint
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint, where your upper arm (humerus) connects to your body, and has a range of motions allowing you to move it up and down, side to side, forward and back, and, in a full circle too. It has muscles and tendons surrounding the ball and socket joint that hold the arm.
What could lead to a shoulder surgery is again quite similar to other bone conditions such as arthritis, trauma injuries, bursitis, and other bone inflammatory conditions. Here’s a list of the top three reasons that lead to a shoulder surgery.
1. Severe Arthritis
2. Trauma Injury
3. Rotator cuff tear
Severe arthritis and injury are quite common conditions where the bones either have a fracture, or start degenerating after a possible infection that develops. But a rotator cuff tear involves an injury caused by extreme pressure and stress on the shoulder, where the muscles and tendons that support the shoulder joint get damaged. This could lead your bones to loose stability and wear off faster, that makes it difficult for you to perform any activity.
Are you looking forward to get a shoulder surgery done?
If you are thinking of a shoulder surgery, you have to be sure enough you really want it. After all it is an important part of your body, and plays a significant role in the most important things you do each minute.
A shoulder surgery involves the initial assessment of your condition, following certain diagnostic tests and screenings to determine the severity of the condition. This will help your surgeon to decide which type of shoulder arthroplasty will be suitable in your case. The three traditional types of a shoulder arthroplasty are:
1. Total Shoulder Arthroplasty – A total shoulder replacement involves the ball on top of the upper arm (humerus) being replaced with a metal prosthesis, and the socket is covered with a plastic surface. Also, a total shoulder arthroplasty is the most common type of shoulder surgery.
2. Partial Shoulder Arthroplasty – A partial shoulder arthroplasty involves only the ball of the joint being replaced, which is a smaller surgery as compared to the other types.
3. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty – This is usually done when you have a rotator cuff tear. Apart from that, it is also done as a correction to a previous shoulder surgery that probably did not work. A reverse shoulder surgery involves the ball being attached to the shoulder bones, and the socket is attached from the top of your upper arm.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Lucknow
Shoulder replacement surgery may help relieve severe shoulder pain and restore movement when arthritis or shoulder joint damage no longer responds to non-surgical treatment.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Lucknow
Shoulder replacement surgery may help relieve severe shoulder pain and restore movement when arthritis or shoulder joint damage no longer responds to non-surgical treatment.
Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Shoulder Replacement
Patients often describe their symptoms in everyday language. Common symptoms include:
Shoulder pain while lifting the arm
Pain while combing hair or dressing
Difficulty reaching overhead
Shoulder stiffness
Pain during sleep, especially when lying on the affected side
Weakness while lifting objects
Clicking or grinding sensation in the shoulder
Reduced range of shoulder movement
Difficulty performing daily activities
Persistent pain despite medications and physiotherapy
Pain while sitting for long periods
Pain while standing or walking
Back stiffness in the morning
Pain while bending forward
Pain after lifting heavy objects
Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs
Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
Weakness in one or both legs
Muscle spasms in the back
Pain after sports or physical activity
These symptoms alone do not confirm the need for surgery. A clinical examination and imaging studies are important before treatment decisions are made.
When to see a doctor urgently?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shoulder pain after a fall or accident
- Suspected shoulder fracture or dislocation
- Inability to move the shoulder after an injury
- Severe swelling following trauma
- Fever with a painful, swollen shoulder joint
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the arm
- Open wounds near the shoulder joint
- Sudden worsening of previously manageable shoulder pain
How Is Shoulder Replacement Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan:
Clinical Examination
- Shoulder range of motion assessment
- Muscle strength evaluation
- Joint stability assessment
- Rotator cuff examination
- Functional assessment of daily activities
Imaging & Investigations
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan (when required)
- Blood Tests
- Bone quality assessment (when indicated)
Treatment Ladder for Elbow Pain
Recovery varies depending on the underlying condition and treatment provided:
1) Non-Surgical Management
- Activity modification
- Pain-relieving medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Home exercise programmes
- Hot or cold therapy
2) Physiotherapy, Bracing & Injections
- Physiotherapy programmes
- Shoulder strengthening and mobility exercises
- Shoulder support (when appropriate)
- Corticosteroid injections
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections
3) Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Shoulder arthroscopy (selected patients)
- Joint preservation procedures
4) Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Severe pain affects daily activities
- Shoulder movement becomes significantly restricted
- Sleep is disturbed due to shoulder pain
- Advanced arthritis is confirmed on imaging
- Conservative treatment no longer provides adequate relief
Recovery Expectations
Recovery varies depending on the diagnosis and treatment provided:
Conservative Treatment
Many patients improve with physiotherapy, activity modification, and medications over several weeks.
Injection-Based Treatment
Symptom relief may occur within days to weeks depending on the treatment used.
Surgical Treatment
Recovery timelines vary depending on the type of shoulder replacement, rehabilitation, and individual health factors.
Risks and Limitations of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Treatment Risks
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Implant loosening
- Shoulder instability or dislocation
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Anaesthetic complications
Limitations
- Recovery varies between individuals
- Heavy lifting and high-impact activities may need to be limited
- Implants may require revision surgery in the future
- Regular physiotherapy is important for optimal recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
When is shoulder replacement surgery recommended?
Shoulder replacement may be recommended when severe pain and stiffness continue despite medications, physiotherapy, injections, and other non-surgical treatments.
What conditions may require shoulder replacement surgery?
Advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe shoulder fractures, avascular necrosis, and certain rotator cuff-related conditions may require shoulder replacement.
Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with medications, physiotherapy, activity modification, and injection therapies.
How is shoulder replacement diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually includes a clinical examination, X-rays, MRI scans when required, and other investigations based on the patient’s condition.
What types of shoulder replacement surgery are available?
Depending on the condition, treatment may include total shoulder replacement, partial shoulder replacement, or reverse shoulder replacement.
How long does recovery take after shoulder replacement surgery?
Recovery varies between patients. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy play an important role in restoring movement and strength.
Is physiotherapy necessary after shoulder replacement surgery?
Yes. Physiotherapy helps improve shoulder mobility, muscle strength, and functional recovery after surgery.
What are the risks of shoulder replacement surgery?
Potential risks include infection, implant loosening, nerve injury, shoulder instability, blood clots, and the possibility of revision surgery.
How long does a shoulder replacement implant last?
Modern shoulder replacement implants often last many years, depending on age, activity level, implant type, and overall health.
When should I seek urgent medical attention for shoulder pain?
Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain after trauma, a suspected fracture or dislocation, inability to move the shoulder, or fever with a swollen shoulder joint.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Why Choose Orygyn Clinic?
- Led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma, MMBS, MS Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Arthroplasty, Fellowship in Arthroscopy
- Trained at Medanta, Gurgaon and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
- Specialist in Joint replacement Surgery
- Modern operation theatre with laminar flow (infection control standard for joint surgery)
- Full orthopaedic and gynaecology facility under one roof
- Structured pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative protocols
- Dedicated physiotherapy support for rehabilitation
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Dr. Gaurav Sharma is one of the best Orthopedic Surgeon in Lucknow. He is well known to provide patient-focused care and excellence in treating all conditions of Knee, Shoulder & other Orthopaedic problems.
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Dr. Ruchi Garg
Dr. Ruchi Garg is a dedicated Senior Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopy Surgeon with 23+ years of vast experience in clinical practice, surgeries & academics. She is well known for preferring & successfully conducting Normal Deliveries, even for her High-Risk Pregnancy Patients.