Complications of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder Replacement Surgery has its share of complications like any other major surgery. What is more important is that the incidence of these complications is very minimal in the hands of a specialist Shoulder Surgeon.
The common complications include infection, nerve injury, loosening.
Other complications are skin healing problems, stitch-abscess, allergy to metal parts.
Infection:
According to international literature, the risk of infection in Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery is currently reported as being about 0.5%. To prevent the infection, special precautions are taken during Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Since bacteria can enter the open wound at the time of the surgery in a regular operating room,Dr. Amyn Rajani only operates in operation theatres equipped with Laminar Air flow Systems. Laminar air flow systems are special air-conditioning systems in which special filters provide clean air, free from most bacteria.
In addition to this, Dr. Amyn Rajani and his assistants wear sterile space suits. The suit encloses the entire head and body, and includes a sterile face mask. These space suits are also called body exhaust mechanisms as they prevent fogging of the sterile mask with an in built battery operating system so as to keep the vision of the surgeon clear from fog as well as prevent direct contact to the surgical field. These specialized gowns & drapes do not get soaked with the sterile fluids used during the surgery or blood; hence these prevent nidus for infection.
Antibiotics : A combination of antibiotics is given to the patient before, during and till 48 hrs. after the operation. This further helps to lower the rate of infection.
Prosthesis Problems:
Although prosthesis designs and materials as well as surgical techniques continue to get advanced, the prosthesis may wear down and the components may loosen. The components of a Shoulder Replacement may also dislocate. Excessive wear, loosening or dislocation may require additional surgery.
Nerve Injury:
Nerves in the vicinity of the joint may become damaged during surgery, although this type of injury is infrequent. Over time, these nerve injuries often improve and may completely recover
