Reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure in which the position of the ball and socket joint of the shoulder is reversed. It is mainly performed for individuals with shoulder fractures, shoulder arthritis, or damage to the tendons surrounding the shoulder, which is also known as the rotator cuff. It helps to relieve pain and improve functional ability.
Furthermore, your healthcare practitioner may suggest this surgery in the following cases:
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Previously failed shoulder replacements
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A torn rotator cuff that cannot be treated with surgery
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Chronic dislocation of the shoulder
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Cancer of the shoulder joint
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Complex shoulder joint fracture
Alternate Name of Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse Arthroplasty
Body Location
Shoulder socket (glenoid) and upper arm bone (humerus)
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Procedure Type
Surgical
Preparation for Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Before the reverse shoulder replacement procedure, the following preparations are performed:
Investigations
Blood and Radiological investigation ( ECG, X Rays, CT Scan,MRI) will be required for Anastasia Fitness and to gain the information about damages in the shoulder.
Medications
Inform your doctor about any medications (including vitamins and supplements) that you are taking. Some of the medicines, such as blood thinners, may be stopped before the procedure.
Diet
Normal regular diet allowed till one day prior to surgery, You are required to avoid consuming any food or drink after midnight on the night before the surgery.
Clothing
Wear loose clothing. A button-front shirt would be advisable because the affected arm will be held in a sling post-surgery, and the limited movements of the shoulder will be allowed for the first 2-4 weeks post surgery to give time for wound healing.
How Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery Performed?
Doctors perform this procedure General anesthesia. During this procedure, the damaged joint surfaces of the shoulder are replaced. This procedure mainly reverses the normal ball and a socket shoulder arrangement; hence, it is called “reverse shoulder replacement.”
This procedure replaces the damaged bone and restores the functions of the shoulder. Screws on the socket side hold the socket onto the shoulder blade. The screw then attaches the ball to the socket. This procedure takes about two hours to complete.
Length of stay in Hospital—Around 5 days , one day prior to surgery and 3-4 days after surgery
Follow-up After Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
1 day After surgery- Wound Dressing will be done and physio will be started within pain tolerable limits
Your arm will be immobilized in a sling post-surgery. To increase your mobility and endurance, doctors will recommend gentle range-of-motion exercises. In addition, a formal physical therapy program may be advised for shoulder strengthening and improvement of flexibility.
Suture will be removed after 14-15 days of surgery.
Your surgeon may advise you to follow up with x-rays to monitor the progress and improvement of your shoulder.
Risks of Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Reverse shoulder replacement is a very successful procedure. Nevertheless, the following are a few risks and side effects:
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Infection: Though rare, a superficial wound infection may occur.
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Damage to the nerves and blood vessels: This may occur surrounding the shoulder, although such cases are sporadic.
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Pain and limited movements: Very rarely pain may persist and complete shoulder movements won’t be achieved
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Anesthesia risks: Some individuals may react differently depending on the anesthesia, though this is rare.
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Dislocation of the shoulder joint: This occurs rarely.
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Further surgery: After ten years, additional surgery may be rarely required depending on shoulder power.
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Loosening of the metal implants: This is a rare complication that may occur after several years of surgery.
Recovery After Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Since your arm will be held in a sling post-surgery, the doctor will prescribe medications to prevent infections (antibiotics) and relieve your pain (analgesics).
For relieving short-term pain, various analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, local anesthetics, or a combination of these may be recommended.
You will be discharged from the hospital on the second or third-day post-surgery. You will need to follow the home exercise program advised by your doctor.
Avoiding certain activities, such as lifting more than 5 pounds and avoiding extreme arm positions for at least six weeks post-surgery, will be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average cost of Reverse Shoulder Replacement in Delhi?
The average cost of Reverse Shoulder Replacement in Delhi depends on the patient's health condition. However, it's important to note that the actual cost may vary depending on factors such as the hospital, surgeon's fees, duration of hospital stay, and any additional medical services required.
2. What are the success rates of Reverse Shoulder Replacement in Delhi?
The success rate of Reverse Shoulder Replacement is good-around 85%, with many patients experiencing improved shoulder function and reduced pain. However, success rates can vary depending on individual factors such as the patient's overall health, severity of the condition, and adherence to post-operative rehabilitation protocols.
3. Are there specialised support groups for patients undergoing Reverse Shoulder Replacement in Delhi?
Yes, there are support groups and patient communities in Delhi that provide a platform for individuals undergoing Reverse Shoulder Replacement to share experiences, seek guidance, and receive emotional support.
4. Are there non-surgical alternatives available for shoulder conditions in Delhi?
Yes, there are non-surgical alternatives available for certain shoulder conditions in Delhi. Orthopaedic specialists recommend options such as physical therapy, medication, corticosteroid injections, or other conservative treatments depending on the specific condition and individual patient needs.
5. Why do sometimes reverse shoulder replacements fail?
Reverse shoulder replacements can fail for various reasons, such as infection, implant loosening or dislocation, nerve injury, limited range of motion, poor bone quality, or failure to follow post-operative rehabilitation protocols.
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