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Regaining Motion with Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Dean Ziegler, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: June 1, 2006

When osteoarthritis damages the shoulder to the point that raising the arm is a painful endeavor, a shoulder replacement can be the solution that brings relief. Besides making everyday activities easier, the new shoulder enables the patient to return to favorite pastimes, such as tennis, fly fishing or golf.

Pain and stiffness caused from osteoarthritis of the shoulder or a degenerative shoulder joint are the most common reasons for the surgery. Osteoarthritis deteriorates the cartilage that surrounds the ball and socket. With the loss of smooth cartilage, patients experience a grinding sensation in the shoulder.

The best candidate for shoulder replacement is an individual with arthritic pain who still has fairly good range of motion in the shoulder, because the ultimate outcome will be better than for a patient with a severely impaired joint.

Patients who need joint replacement surgery should consult with a doctor who specializes in the type of joint replacement needed. Columbia St. Mary’s has a long history of joint replacement surgery. Our experienced staff have been part of many joint replacement surgeries, recoveries and rehabilitations, giving patients a very good outcome.

About the surgery
Recent advances in replacement joints help ensure a solid fit, excellent range of motion, and long-term pain relief.

With any surgery, there are risks involved. The main concerns with shoulder replacement surgery are infection and loosening of the implant. Developing stiffness in the shoulder also can be a side effect, so it is important that the patient begin moving the shoulder as quickly as possible after surgery.

A full recovery from surgery will require between four to six weeks of rehabilitation, depending on the patient. However, many individuals can return to work as soon as a week after surgery, depending on the patient’s occupation. After recovery, the main restriction for shoulder replacement patients is to avoid doing hard, jerking motions, like chopping wood.

Treatment when severe rotator cuff tears are present
A new procedure, called a reverse shoulder replacement, helps arthritic individuals who also have severe rotator cuff tears. With this procedure, the ball and socket are reversed: the ball is attached to the shoulder blade and the socket is on the upper end of the humerus. The patient is able to move the joint with the help of the deltoid muscle that forms the rounded contour of the shoulder, rather than the muscles in the damaged rotator cuff.

Dean Ziegler, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery
Columbia St. Mary’s
(414) 326-1745

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