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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationPhysical therapyRehabilitation optionsCan rehabilitation be done at home?Usual responseRisks Duration of rehabilitationReturning to ordinary daily activitiesLong-term patient limitationsCosts Conclusion

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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: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Monday, October 09, 2006

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Rehabilitation

What types of physical therapy do patients require after shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

Early motion after total shoulder replacement is critical for achieving optimal shoulder function.

Arthritic shoulders are stiff. One of the major goals of shoulder replacement surgery is to relieve much of this stiffness. However, after surgery scar tissue will tend to recur and limit movement unless motion is started immediately. This early motion is facilitated by the complete surgical release of the tight tissues so that after surgery the individual has only to maintain the range of motion achieved at the operation. Later on, once the shoulder is comfortable and flexible, strengthening exercises and additional activities can started. However, most individuals find the recovery of comfort and function can be accomplished without formal physical therapy.

What options exist for rehabilitation after shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

It is often most effective for the individual to carry out her or his own exercises so that they are done frequently, effectively and comfortably. Usually, a physical therapist or the surgeon instructs the individual in the exercise program during the hospital stay and advances it at a rate that is comfortable for the particular individual. For the first six weeks after surgery, emphasis is placed on optimizing the flexibility and range of motion of the shoulder through gentle stretching exercises. After six weeks, these stretching exercises are continued and strengthening exercises can be added.

Can this rehabilitation after 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 done at home?

In general the exercises are best performed by the individual at home. Occasional visits to the surgeon or therapist may be useful to check the progress and to review the program.

What is the usual response to rehabilitation after shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

Individuals are almost always satisfied with the increases in range of motion, comfort and function that is achieved with the exercise program. If the exercises are uncomfortable, difficult, or painful, the individual should contact the therapist or surgeon promptly.

Are there risks to rehabilitation after shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear)?

This is a safe rehabilitation program with little risk.

How long will rehabilitation after shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) need to be continued?

Once the range of motion and strength goals are achieved, the exercise program can be cut back to a minimal level. However, gentle stretching is recommended on an ongoing basis.

How long after shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) will patients be able to return to ordinary daily activities?

In general, individuals are able to perform gentle activities of daily living with the operated arm at the side starting two to three weeks after surgery. Walking with the arm protected is strongly encouraged. Driving should wait until the individual can perform the necessary functions comfortably and confidently. This may take up to six weeks if the surgery has been performed on the right shoulder, because of the increased demands on the right shoulder for shifting gears.

With the consent of their surgeon, individuals may be able to return to activities such as water exercises and golf as tolerated by their shoulder at six months after surgery. It is important to remember that shoulder arthroplasty with a cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) prosthesis does not restore the function of the degenerated rotator cuff tendons so that the shoulder will never totally regain full comfort, strength, range of motion or function. Stressful activities and activities with the arm in extreme positions may never be possible after this procedure.

After full recovery and rehabilitation from shoulder joint replacement surgery with a rotator cuff tear arthropathy (cta) prosthesis for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear), what are the limitations on the patient?

Individuals should avoid activities that involve major impact (chopping wood, contact sports, activities with major risk of falls) or heavy loads (lifting of heavy weights, heavy resistance exercises) after this surgery. In this way the risk of re-injury is minimized.

How can the costs of rehabilitation after 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 and therapist should provide the information on the usual cost of the rehabilitation program. The program is quite cost-effective, because it is based heavily on home exercises.

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-BONE (2663) to make an appointment.


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