Surface replacement for shoulder arthritis: Surgery with a CAP, a special type of conservative resurfacing joint replacement that resurfaces the ball of the ball and socket joint, can lessen pain and improve function.
Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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Preparing for surgery
What type of preparation needs to take place before shoulder replacement surgery with a cap resurfacing prosthesis for shoulder arthritis?
Shoulder joint replacement surgery with a resurfacing (CAP) prosthesis is considered for healthy and motivated individuals with
shoulder arthritis that interferes with the individual’s comfort and function.
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 resurfacing (CAP) prosthesis is usually made across the front of the shoulder between the deltoid and pectoralis muscles. The area of the skin incision 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 shoulder replacement cannot restore normal function to the shoulder damaged by arthritis.
The individual needs to plan on carefully protecting the arm for three to six weeks after the procedure. Driving, shopping and performing usual work or chores may be difficult after surgery. 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 replacement surgery with a cap resurfacing prosthesis for shoulder arthritis? 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 replacement surgery with a cap resurfacing prosthesis for shoulder arthritis be anticipated?
The surgeon's office should provide a reasonable estimate of the surgeon's fee and the hospital fee. Who should perform shoulder replacement surgery with a cap resurfacing prosthesis for shoulder arthritis and where?
Shoulder replacement arthroplasty with a resurfacing (CAP) prosthesis is a technically demanding procedure that should be performed by an experienced surgeon in a medical center experienced in performing similar shoulder joint replacements. 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 replacement surgery with a cap resurfacing prosthesis for shoulder arthritis 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 orthopedic 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 replacement surgery with a cap resurfacing prosthesis for shoulder arthritis 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 Shoulder Arthritis at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington
If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-BONE (2663) to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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