Restrictions And Care After Shoulder Joint Replacement

What Is Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder joint replacement surgery is a procedure during which the diseased shoulder joint is surgically removed and replaced with an artificially designed prosthesis. The prosthesis resembles the structure and functions of a healthy shoulder joint. A prosthesis is usually made of plastic or other material that will not have an adverse reaction with the other tissues or fluids of the human body.

During the surgery, the joint replacement surgeon in Saifee Hospital Mumbai will detach the muscles and tendons and carefully separate the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the diseased shoulder joint. The entire shoulder joint or a part of it is surgically removed and the pre-designed prosthesis is fit in its place. The muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissue are re-attached to the new prosthesis. The entire surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques and under the guidance of an arthroscope.

Post Surgery Care

Patients must take the following precautions after total shoulder replacement surgery in Mumbai:

• Restriction of Movement

Patients are strictly prohibited from moving their operated shoulder for a few hours after the surgery. The shoulder surgeon will allow resuming gradual movements of the shoulder after a complete physical examination. Patients will have to restrict vigorous and continuous movements of the operated shoulder joint for at least 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Normal shoulder joint functions may be resumed after the patient has recovered completely from the joint replacement surgery.

• Physiotherapy & Exercise

Physiotherapy and supervised exercises are mandatory after most orthopedic surgeries. The aim of physiotherapy after shoulder joint replacement surgery is to strengthen the muscles that support the joint. Robust muscles will lessen the load of weight-bearing that befalls the newly operated shoulder joint. An exercise regimen customized for the patient will help to mobilize the shoulder joint and prevent stiffness from setting in.

• Weight Bearing Activities

Patients who undergo shoulder joint surgery are advised not to lift and move heavy objects like furniture or buckets filled with water. These activities will prevent the newly replaced shoulder joint from healing or may disrupt the muscular attachments of the joint.

Patients who undergo shoulder joint replacement surgery are almost always prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, pain relief medication, and in some cases steroids. These medicines help to curb the pain and swelling that commonly follow shoulder joint replacement surgery.

Patients should complete the course of their medication and follow all the restrictions that their doctor advises. Post-surgical restrictions are aimed at hastening recovery from the surgery and at preventing any complications from arising.

Patients experiencing recurrent shoulder joint complaints of increasing intensity should consult with a shoulder surgeon in Lilavati Hospital Mumbai immediately for treatment.