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| About the Shoulder |
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| Total Shoulder Replacement |
| Humeral Head Resurfacing |
| Physical Therapy and Exercise for the Shoulder |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Shoulder Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. | What are my non-surgical options before considering joint replacement? |
- Exercise or physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around the affected joint(s), possibly providing relief from pain while improving mobility and function.
- Medical management including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections to reduce painful joint inflammation and restore function.
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| 2. |
I have limited range of motion coupled with pain that usually lasts all night, disrupting my sleep. Is this an indication of osteoarthritis? |
There are many shoulder conditions that could be indicated by these symptoms. Proper examination by your primary care physician or by an orthopedic physician can determine the condition of your shoulder and indicate a suitable treatment plan.
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3. What can I expect from the surgical experience?
- Operation- approximately one to two hours
- Hospitalization- usually 2 to 5 days
- Rehabilitation-usually 3 to 4 months of regular exercise at home. This will vary with each patient and with each surgeon.
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4. Can I expect to regain full motion of my shoulder after surgery?
After surgery, patients usually gain additional range of motion previously lost to the diseased joint. It is important to remember that the soft tissues play an important role in shoulder movement. Damaged or unrepairable soft tissues in the shoulder will have an affect on unrestricted movement of the shoulder after surgery. Proper preoperative and postoperative physical therapy will also affect the desired surgical outcome. It is important to talk with your physician prior to surgery so he or she can evaluate your condition and give you a better understanding of what you can expect after the surgical experience.
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| 5. | How is the shoulder rehabilitated after joint replacement surgery? |
You will begin moving your shoulder within the first 48 hours after surgery. Early movement is important to prevent the muscles in the shoulder from becoming tight. The types of exercises you may perform are gentle, range of motion exercises designed to help restore motion to the muscles in the shoulder. As your rehabilitation continues, you may begin strengthening exercises that are designed to restore strength to your shoulder. It is important to follow your surgeons prescribed recovery outline. Do Not attempt exercises that are not prescribed by your surgeon, and Do Not attempt to alter your exercise schedule without contacting your surgeon.
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| 6. | Is shoulder replacement surgery only for people with osteoarthritis? |
No, there are several other indications for total shoulder replacement surgery including rheumatoid arthritis, fracture of the humeral head, avascular necrosis (lack of blood supply that leads to bone death), and arthritis as a result of previous injury to the joint.
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7. Who can benefit from total shoulder replacement surgery?
Patients who show one or more of the following symptoms may benefit from this procedure.
- Limited movement of shoulder associated with pain
- Reduction or complete loss of cartilage in the shoulder joint
- Failure to favorably respond to medication and physical therapy
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8. How often will I need to see my surgeon after surgery?
Your surgeon will set a follow-up schedule for the first year after surgery to evaluate your progress. You may be seen annually thereafter. Complications can occur with implants, so seeing your surgeon when you notice a change in symptoms can assist in evaluating any changes that may occur with your new joint.
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9. Is age a consideration for joint replacement?
Age is not a problem if you are in reasonably good health and have the desire to continue living a productive, active life. You may ask to see your personal physician for an opinion about your general health and readiness for surgery. An advantage of the Biomet Rapid Recovery Program is returning patients to their daily lives and activities at a faster rate than traditional joint replacement surgery.
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10. Are there risks from surgery?
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include infection, implant breakage, nerve damage, and fracture. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience pain and stiffness. No implant will last forever and the patients post-surgical activities can affect the longevity of the implant. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.
There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up to date and may be shown how to prepare your home to assist in your recovery.
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11. What type of rehabilitation can I expect following surgery?
Exercise is necessary for proper healing. Most doctors will recommend therapy of gentle movements between 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Therapy will begin in the hospital and continue after discharge for approximately six to eight weeks. A regular exercise program at home to promote strengthening and mobility will continue up to 12 months following surgery.
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12. Can I participate in regular activities after surgery?
Patients with total shoulder replacement typically require several weeks before returning to any type of lifting or repetitive movement activities. Driving can normally be resumed in four weeks after surgery but only if your doctor indicates and you are not taking any pain medication. Talk to your doctor before participating in an activity that may place excess stress or movement on your shoulder.
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13. What type of follow-up will I need with my new shoulder?
Your doctor will set a follow-up schedule for the first year after surgery to evaluate your progress. You may be seen annually thereafter. Complications can occur with implants, so seeing your doctor when you notice a change in symptoms can assist in evaluating any changes that may occur with your new joint.
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All Patient Education materials are provided by Pro-Marketing, Inc.
All Patient education material has been reviewed by a board of Orthopedic Surgeons to ensure accuracy.
All materials are provided for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your orthopedic surgeon. Any medical decisions should be made after consulting a qualified physician.
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