With a stiff and sore shoulder, it can be difficult to do even the simplest tasks like getting dressed and carrying your shopping bags. Just like a problematic hip or knee joint, a worn shoulder joint can be replaced.
How the Shoulder Works?
Your shoulder, which is a joint in the form of a ball and socket, is the most flexible joint of your body. The ball-like round head of the arm bone (humerus) enters a small socket (glenoid). Muscles and other soft tissues also hold the bone head in the socket and allow you to extend your arm up and down, to the side, across your body, or on your back. If your shoulder joint is healthy, the bone head slides freely in its socket like a ball. This is because the arm bones that make up the joint are protected by soft cartilage and the joint is covered with a tissue called the synovium. The muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff in the shoulder keep the humerus head firmly in the socket and give your arm strength and flexibility.
Why Shoulder Pain Occur?
Over time, your shoulder joint wears out or arthritis develops. Overuse of the shoulder can also exacerbate this problem. Perhaps the joint has been damaged by a chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. A bad fall may have caused a tear or fracture in the shoulder.
- For whatever reason, do you have limited range of motion and pain in your shoulder?
- Can't you turn your arm over your back or raise it above your head?
- Pain, at night, when you move too much , maybe it increases in cold and humid weather?
- Doesn't your pain go away with hot application, medication, exercise and rest?
What are the Problems Experienced in the Shoulder?
- Osteoarthritis: Ostreoarthritis occurs with the wear of the joint. The cartilage cracks, its surface becomes rough, and the bone socket wears out. Eventually, the bone is exposed and growths called protrusions occur on it. Without the protective cartilage pad, the joint becomes stiff and painful. When you move your arm, you experience a friction or a feeling that your arm is dislocated. In this case, the synovium thickens to form a tissue called the pannus. sits. This tissue sticks to the cartilage, removing enzymes that destroy the cartilage. The joint becomes red, swollen, and there is an increase in temperature. The pain may radiate to the neck and arm. As time passes, the joint becomes rigid and the unused muscles weaken. In this case, the bone may also be destroyed.
- Fractures: Fracture may occur when you fall on your open arm or elbow. The round head of the humerus and the protrusions break off, resulting in fragments of the humerus. Shoulder fracture is very painful, bruises and gives the appearance of a deformed shoulder.
- Avascular Necrosis: Many reasons, including long-term use of cortisone and alcohol, can prevent blood flow to the bone. Thus, the bone dies and disintegrates. In this case, pain occurs in the shoulder and the movement of the joint is restricted.
- Tear of the Cuff (Rotator): After the old cuff (rotator) tear, advanced arthritis may occur. As the round head of the bone rubs against the acromion, joint pain, stiffness and weakness occur. It is possible to relieve pain with surgery, but flexibility and strength may not be restored.
Which Patients Will Benefit from Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder prosthesis surgeries, in addition to relieving pain, It provides strength and ease of movement. In the surgery, all or part of the problematic shoulder is removed and an artificial joint called a prosthesis is created in its place. With the prosthesis, a smooth metal or plastic piece is attached to the hard, worn joint surface of the shoulder.
- Renewal of the Shoulder Joint: Not only the round head of the bone can be changed (partial change), but also the bone bed can be changed (total change). An incision of approximately 15 centimeters is made from your collarbone to your arm.
- Partial Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): If the head of the humerus or soft tissue is damaged and the glenoid is intact, sometimes it may be sufficient to simply replace the bone head.
- Replacement of the Whole Joint (Arthroplasty): If both the humerus head and socket are worn, the surgeon may decide to replace both the bone head round and the bearing.
- Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis: In some cases and usually advanced If the patient's muscles around the shoulder (rotator cuff) are torn that cannot be repaired, apply a reverse shoulder prosthesis.
The 4 Most Curious Questions
Question 1: How long does the surgery take?
Answer: Removing and replacing a damaged shoulder joint The process of creating a new joint usually takes 2-3 hours. The correct time depends on the problem with your shoulder.
2. Question: Will my pain go away?
Answer: You will probably have little or no pain after your shoulder heals.
Question 3: Will I be more mobile?
Answer: How much strength and range of motion you will gain after surgery depends on the nature of the problem in your shoulder. If the muscles and other soft tissues are healthy, you can expect your shoulder to be stronger and more flexible after shoulder replacement surgery.
Question 4: How many years will my new shoulder work?
Answer: If you protect it well and there are no complications, a new shoulder joint will work for 15 years or more.
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