Total shoulder joint replacement for shoulder arthritis: Surgery with a dependable, time-tested conservative prosthesis and accelerated rehabilitation can lessen pain and improve function in shoulders with arthritis.
Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Friday, August 01, 2008
Figure 1 - This is a humeral head in situ that has been damaged by arthritis. Figure 2 - Humeral implant SummaryOverview Diagnosis and treatment of shoulder arthritis with Total shoulder replacement arthroplasty
Total shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) helps restore comfort and
function to shoulders damaged by degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, or
rheumatoid arthritis.
In shoulder arthritis the joint surface is destroyed by wear and
tear, inflammation, injury, or previous surgery. Figure 1 shows the
surface of a ball of the shoulder joint (humeral head) which has been
destroyed by arthritis. This joint destruction makes the shoulder
stiff, painful and unable to carry out its normal functions.Treatment of shoulder arthritis may include exercises , a ream and run procedure, or a total shoulder.
After performing a clinical exam and x-rays, a shoulder surgeon experienced in
joint replacement can find out if arthritis is the cause of the problem
and if surgery would be helpful. Patients are most likely to benefit
from this surgery if they are well motivated and in good health.
The goal of shoulder replacement arthroplasty is to restore the best
possible function to the joint by removing scar tissue, balancing
muscles, and replacing the destroyed joint surfaces with artificial
ones.
Total shoulder joint replacement arthroplasty is a highly technical
procedure and is best performed by a surgical team who performs this
surgery often. Such a team can maximize the benefit and minimize the
risks. The two-hour procedure is performed under general (or nerve
block) anesthesia.
Streaming video
Dr. Matsen and Sarah Jackins, physical therapist with the UW Bone
and Joint Surgery Center, discuss shoulder surgery with an emphasis on
patient involvement in the UWTV video, "Total Shoulder Replacement: Partnership with the Patient".
Surgery for shoulder arthritis 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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