Shoulder replacement is a standard procedure in which the torn ligaments and bones of the shoulder are replaced with prosthetic devices. The surgery can fix severe arthritis, fractures, or other bone issues. Recovery time for this surgery is usually about six months. Many individuals who get this surgery report a high level of satisfaction in the results and rate shoulder replacement as one of the best surgeries they have undergone. If you have any problem with your shoulder bones or ligaments, you may want to see a specialist in shoulder replacement in West Orange for proper treatment. 

Who Is a Candidate?

Individual candidates for shoulder replacement surgery may have arthritis, fractures, or other bone-related disorders. There are several acceptable reasons to opt for this surgery. Some of these reasons include:

• Previous failed surgeries
• Severe decay in the bones and ligaments due to conditions like osteoporosis
• Shoulder reconstruction after cancer surgeries
• Pain and immobility as a result of advanced osteoarthritis
• Loosening, instability, and pain as a result of chronic shoulder dislocations

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Procedure

The doctor will make an incision that stretches from the front to back just below the shoulder. Once they do this, they will need to move muscles, ligaments, and tendons out of the way to get access to bones. They will then replace the humeral head and the glenoid with prostheses made from metal and plastic materials. After this is done, they will reconnect nerves and blood vessels using screws and plates so as not to lose mobility.

Sometimes, a fracture in the bones of the upper arm or shoulder blade may also be present. The doctor will use special tools to fix these fractures in these cases. The incisions are then sutured, but you can expect some swelling and bruising for a few days after surgery. Your new prosthetic should fit snugly into your shoulder, and you may feel some pressure and tugging. However, this feeling should wear off in a few weeks.

You will probably need someone to pick you up from the hospital and take you home after surgery. There are likely to be soft and hard limitations depending on your doctor’s instructions.

Recover

Shoulder replacement recovery time is generally about six weeks. However, you must give your shoulder at least three months to recover from surgery before returning to your routine. In the first week after surgery, you will need someone to help with everyday tasks such as bathing and dressing. It may take another month to do light activities like simple household chores. During the second month, you may engage in light driving and travel. You will need to take it easy for the rest of the year, though.

Don’t expect to return to strenuous activities like golf or tennis until a whole year has passed since your surgery. Most doctors recommend that you avoid heavy lifting until 18 months have passed.

In summary, shoulder replacement is surgery to replace broken bones and torn ligaments in the shoulder with prosthetics. You may need it due to previous failed surgeries, severe bone or ligament decay, advanced osteoarthritis, and more. The surgeon replaces the humeral head and the glenoid with prostheses made from metal and plastic materials during surgery. You need about six weeks to recover, but you should avoid heavy lifting for up to 18 months post-surgery.