Cuff tear arthropathy - CTA - prosthesis for shoulder arthritis: Surgery with a cementless CTA prosthesis can lessen pain and improve function in shoulders with the combination of arthritis and rotator cuff tears.
Edited By: Winston J. Warme, MD, Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D.
Last updated Monday, October 09, 2006
Preparing for surgeryPreparation Shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear
arthropathy (CTA) prosthesis is considered for healthy and motivated
individuals in whom cuff tear arthropathy interferes with the comfort
and function of the shoulder.
Successful shoulder replacement depends on a partnership between the
individual and the experienced shoulder surgeon. Individuals should
optimize their health so that they will be in the best possible
condition for this procedure. Smoking should be stopped a month before
surgery and not resumed for at least three months afterwards. Any
heart, lung, kidney, bladder, tooth, or gum problems should be managed
before surgery. Any infection may be a reason to delay the operation.
The shoulder surgeon needs to be aware of all health issues, including
allergies and the non-prescription and prescription medications being
taken. Some of these may need to be modified or stopped. For instance,
aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication may affect the way the blood
clots.
The incision used for a shoulder replacement with a cuff tear
arthropathy prosthesis is usually made across the front of the
shoulder. [Figure 18]This area of skin must be clean and free from
sores and scratches.
Before surgery, the individual should consider the limitations,
alternatives and risks of surgery. Individuals should also recognize
that the result of surgery depends in large part on their efforts in
rehabilitation after surgery.
The individual needs to plan on being less functional than usual for
six to twelve weeks after the procedure. Driving, shopping and
performing usual work or chores may be difficult during this time.
Plans for necessary assistance need to be made before surgery. For
individuals who live alone or those without readily available help,
arrangements for home help should be made well in advance. Timing Shoulder replacement arthroplasty can be delayed until the time that is
best for the individual's overall health and convenience. However,
excessive delays can result in the loss of bone making the
reconstruction more difficult for the surgeon and the individual.Costs The surgeon's office should provide a reasonable estimate of the
surgeon's fee and the hospital fee.
Surgical team Shoulder replacement arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy is a
technically demanding procedure that should be performed by an
experienced surgeon in a medical center accustomed to performing
similar shoulder joint replacements at least several times a month.
Individuals should inquire as to the number of shoulder arthroplasty
procedures that the surgeon performs each year and the number of these
procedures performed in the medical center each year.Finding an experienced surgeon Because relatively few shoulder arthroplasties are performed in the
United States each year, it is unlikely that every community has an
experienced shoulder arthroplasty surgeon who frequently performs
arthroplasties for cuff tear arthropathy . Surgeons specializing in
shoulder joint replacement may be located through university schools of
medicine, county medical societies, or state orthopaedic societies.
Other resources include local rheumatologists or professional societies
such as the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons society.Facilities Shoulder replacement arthroplasty is usually performed in a major
medical center that performs these procedures on a regular basis. These
centers have surgical teams and facilities specially designed for this
type of surgery. They also have nurses and therapists who are
accustomed to assisting individuals in their recovery from shoulder
replacement surgery.Surgery for Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.
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