Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
  Home   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Links   |   News  
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
Advanced Search
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryPreparation Timing Costs Surgical teamFinding an experienced surgeonFacilities About the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

Print Print Complete Article
View article with questions Hide Questions



Click here to request a referral online.

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

<< Previous Page Next Page >>

Figure 18
Figure 18

Preparing for surgery

What type of preparation needs to take place before shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

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.

What about the timing of shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)? How long can it be safely delayed?

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.

How can the costs of shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) be anticipated?

The surgeon's office should provide a reasonable estimate of the surgeon's fee and the hospital fee.

Who should perform shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) and where?

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.

How can surgeons experienced in shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) be found?

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.

In what type of facility is shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) usually done?

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.


<< Previous Page Next Page >>


How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated ****0.25 out of 5 stars (275 ratings).

Not useful at all Not very useful Useful Very useful Extremely useful
* ** *** **** *****
Team Physicians to the UW Huskies Varsity Athletes...And You!
Copyrights and disclaimer  | Privacy statement | Editorial policy
Problems or questions? Contact the webmaster.
Copyright © 2008 University of Washington - Seattle, WA. All rights reserved.