This procedure is used to replace the ball-and-socket head of the humerus (which may be damaged, fractured, or worn) with an artificial part. If the glenoid socket is also wearing down, the surgeon may file the surface into a shape that closely resembles the original, then splice the upper end of the arm back into place.
In the intervention for partial shoulder replacement, general anesthesia or regional anesthesia can be administered; This will depend on the patient’s preferences and due medical considerations.
During shoulder hemiarthroplasty, the doctor will make an incision in the anterior area of the shoulder to make visible the junction between the humerus and the glenoid cavity; After this, he will surgically remove the damaged humeral head to insert the shoulder implants (stem and metal ball) at that end. Later, he or she will smooth the surface of the acetabulum to reposition the bone in its normal position.
As in any other surgery, the operative incision is closed with sutures or staples; culminating with a dressing (bandage) to cover the wound.
It is recommended that the patient indicate during their consultations the medications they routinely take; even more so, when it comes to anticoagulants.
It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any drug allergies or medical conditions you have; whether it is diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or other types of disorders, because this can directly influence the results of the operation.
Reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption, both of which can be detrimental to the healing and healing process of wounds. If in the days prior to surgery you begin to experience symptoms such as: fever, malaise, flu, among others; Your doctor will most likely suggest delaying surgery until you are fully recovered.
We take advantage of this space to solve some doubts that revolve around partial shoulder replacement…
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is an effective alternative for those patients who suffer from degenerative diseases or wear and tear in this joint area. Mainly, in those who suffer from: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, severe fractures, etc.
People with damaged joints see their quality of life decrease; When this problem is not treated, it may continue to increase until it causes a much more serious joint disability; however, the application of shoulder implants has shown good results in pain relief and a marked improvement in mobility.
Hospital and outpatient protocols can have differences; In both cases, the recovery period will depend on the patient’s state of health after the intervention.
During the hours following the procedure, the doctor will be in charge of evaluating how the recovery of the wound is going; ruling out the appearance of any complication.
The operated limb must remain in a fixed position with the help of a sling or special shoulder immobilizer, from the moment the patient comes out of surgery; After about 24 or 48 hours, the patient can start with smooth and controlled joint movements, alternating with immobilization for the time suggested by the specialist.
After 7 to 10 days after surgery (with prior medical authorization), the patient will have the health conditions required to start the relevant physiotherapy treatment; where strengthening, mobility and joint stability exercises are generally included.
The total recovery time is between 2 and 4 months; although this estimate can increase or decrease according to the evolution of each person.
Partial shoulder arthroplasty is an open surgery, which requires an incision of approximately 10 cm so that the surgeon can access the internal cavity, extract the affected bone structures and install the shoulder implants; Therefore, this opening after healing will leave a scar a few centimeters smaller above the shoulder.
Usually, the duration of the operation for partial shoulder replacement ranges between 60 and 90 minutes; however, factors such as the type of procedure, the patient’s health status, the level of complexity, among others; They can directly influence the total time of surgery.
The most important thing within the postoperative period is to follow the instructions given by the specialist to the letter in order to achieve the best possible results.
In general, it is advised:
Keep your arm still while your doctor tells you to.
Avoid sleeping in a horizontal position so as not to hurt the limb.
Move your hand, wrist, and fingers several times a day to prevent numbness.
Do not lift objects with the intervened arm.
Follow the instructions of your doctor and physical therapists.
Among the main risks of a shoulder hemiarthroplasty are:
Joint replacement may not relieve shoulder pain.
The patient is unable to regain mobility or strength of the joint completely.
New shoulder implants may not remain stable and cause dislocations.
Any of the bones in your shoulder break during surgery.
That the prosthesis placed can wear out or come loose over time.
Nerve damage may occur during the procedure, resulting in weakness, pain, and numbness.
Blood clots forming.
An infection is generated in the internal tissues or on the external surface of the wound.
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