DO YOU NEED SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

WHAT IS SHOULDER REPLACEMENT?

Shoulder replacement is the damage to the joints of the shoulder, it is caused due wear and tear of the joint. The shoulder joint is the site where the upper arm meets. However, it is less common than knee replacement and hip replacement. Shoulder replacement can occur due to some accident, injury, fractures, or deficiency of nutrients like calcium in the body. This makes bone joints so fragile that it leads to damage. 

HOW CAN WE GET A SHOULDER REPLACEMENT?

Shoulder replacement could happen due to several factors:-

1. 1. INJURY/ACCIDENT- Any past injury, or accident could lead to such an issue.  Bone can get deformed and lead to replacement.
2. 2. WEAR AND TEAR OF THE JOINT- Due to heavy weight lifting and continuous stress on the joint, joint muscles weaken too fast. Regular friction and rough movement lead to wear and tear of the joint of bones and muscles. 
3. 3. AGE FACTOR- The age factor is also the determining element for shoulder joint replacement. Old-aged people are more prone to shoulder replacement than younger people, as other diseases like arthritis, osteoporosis, and low metabolism could lead to such trouble.  
4. 4. OSTEOPOROSIS- Osteoporosis is the degradation of the calcium present in the joints of the bones. This is common in women, due to hormonal differences. However, as the age increases the rate of osteoporosis also increases. 
5. 5. CARTILAGE DESTRUCTION – Cartilage is the cushion-like tissue that is important for regulating the abrupt or rough movement that could lead to damage to the joints. 
6. 6. GOUT, arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are some other causes.
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BENEFITS OF KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

1. 1 .HELP IN REDUCING PAIN.
2. 2. SMOOTH MOVEMENT OF HANDS AND JOINTS.
3. 3. BETTER SUCCESS RATE 
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TYPES OF SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY

1. 1. TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY- The total shoulder replacement of the ball socket joint when there is no chance of saving the original one. This surgery helps in saving one from severe pain and excessive difficulty in movement. 
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3. 2. PARTIAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY- The surgery of partial shoulder replacement helps in the ailment of the specific damaged zones of the shoulder joint. However, the total shoulder replacement is less complicated than partial shoulder replacement as it is administered by the replacement of the complete natural joint with an artificial implant made of plastic. 
4. 3. REVERSE TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT- Reverse total shoulder replacement is the switching of the position or reserving of the ball socket joint. This is also an effective way treatment for shoulder replacement. 
5. 4. SHOULDER RESURFACING – Fitting of the round cap-like structure over the shoulder joint. Such resurfacing is a better way to help in curing damaged joints without the removal of the natural shoulder joint portion.
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DISADVANTAGES OF SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY

The surgery success rate is 90% in shoulder replacement surgery. Due to this success rate, people get encouraged to initiate the surgery. Other than the advantages there are a few disadvantages to this surgery as well but they are minimal. 

1. 1. SURGERY IS A BIT COSTLY
2. 2. INFECTION 
3. 3. ALLERGY
4. 4. THE LENGTH OF THE ARMS MAY VARY
5. 5. CONCENTRATION OF THE METAL IONS INCREASES IN THE BODY. 
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SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY COST

Well, as said earlier, the cost may vary depending upon different components. Some of them are given here. The expenses that are included are:-

1. 1. CONSULTATION BY DOCTOR
2. 2. HOSPITAL 
3. 3. MEDICINES 
4. 4. SURGERY/OPERATION
5. 5. POST – SURGERY CONSULTATION
6. 6. EQUIPMENT
7. 7. TECHNOLOGY
8. 8. SUPPORTIVE ITEMS 
9. 9. OTHER ITEMS SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION ETC. 
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WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Shoulder replacement surgery is the surgery dealing with the ball socket joint of the damaged shoulder. And it requires some time of 5 months to 6 months for its perfect recovery. It is advisable to avoid the following activities after shoulder replacement surgery. 

1. 1. AVOID HEAVY WEIGHT LIFTING.- Pulling heavy weights without a trainer could lead to shoulder replacement. 
2. 2. AVOID ABRUPT / ROUGH MOVEMENT OF THE HAND.- Do not carry weight or stress on the damaged or affected area. 
3. 3. GIVE PROPER SUPPORT TO YOUR HANDS.- After a shoulder replacement, one should always carry hand support, to recover soon. Support helps in fixing and joining the bones faster. 
4. 4. AVOID JUMPING AND RUNNING.- As Shoulder replacement surgery is major surgery, it is advisable not to move so fast, and to avoid any type of jumping and rolling. These activities can cause major or minor damage to the operated joints. 
5. 5. AVOID GIVING STRESS ON YOUR HAND – Don’t force your hand as it can change the alignment of the operated bones.  
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR FULL RECOVERY OF THE SHOULDER RECOVERY SURGERY?

Most probably the complete recovery from a surgery like a shoulder replacement approximately takes 5 months to 6 months but may vary from person to person. But it is suggestive to avoid any kind of stressful movement with the hand or shoulder, as this could lead to delay in healing of the wounds, the opening of the surgical incision, and infection or allergy could make it more discomforting. These medical complications can later result in bigger issues. So following the advice of the surgeons one can get recover after surgery. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does it take to recover from shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery takes approximately a period of 4 months to 6 months to fully recover from surgery. However, it varies from person to person depending upon many other factors. 

Is shoulder replacement a major surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery is major surgery and needs proper attention and care after the procedure of the surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery is the replacement of the damaged area of the ball socket joint of the arms by implants made of plastic, metal alloys, etc. 

Why is shoulder surgery painful?

Shoulder surgery involves working on the ball socket joint of the arms. This joint aids in the movement of the arms smoothly. However, after damage, one feels uneasiness, and pain in it. To get relief from shoulder surgery is done on the arms, it is considered major surgery and requires high precautions and skilled doctors or surgeons. This surgery could be a little painful but it helps in long-term relief from pain. 

Which surgery is worse, knee or shoulder?

Both knee replacement surgery and hip replacement surgery deals with the joints. The former is done on the patella, that is the knee joint, while the latter is done on the ball and socket joint of the arms. But the shoulder replacement surgery is a little more painful than knee replacement surgery. The experience may vary from individual to individual, depending on the various factors. Recovery from both diseases also varies. 

How long do you have to stay in the hospital after a shoulder replacement?

It usually takes two to three weeks the recovery from shoulder replacement surgery. However, for complete recovery, one needs to regularly follow the guidelines and prescriptions as suggested by the surgeon. For complete recovery one takes approximately Five months to six months.

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