Shoulder replacement Shoulder joint abrasion repair by surgery
Author Dr. Bálint Major | 2023.09.12.
Most of us only become aware of the importance of shoulder joint health when pain strikes. Shoulder pain, with the potential for restricted movement, can make life very difficult and even the most mundane activities can become a huge challenge.
The shoulder is an extremely complex and mobile part of the human body. This comes at the price of vulnerability, so it's worth being aware of how your body works.
Why does shoulder arthritis and shoulder pain develop? When is a shoulder replacement necessary? - Dr. Bálint Major shoulder surgeon we explored the topic.
The price of agility
The shoulder is a spherical joint surrounded by sensitive tissues, tendons and ligaments. The head of the humerus fits into a relatively small plate-like socket in the scapula and clavicle area. Because it is so complex, it can be easily damaged and inflamed. Various muscle tears can develop, shoulder instability and joint wear is. In many cases of advanced, severe joint wear, only shoulder replacement surgery can bring a cure.
The shoulder joint is able to move in most directions, which means increased stress and wear on the surrounding tissues. Frequent and repetitive movements, such as various sports, or even repetitive daily activities, can strain the joint over time.
The combination of overexposure and age-related changes is particularly conducive to the development of wear-related diseases.
Over the years, challenges to the shoulder joint often lead to increasing pain, stiffness and eventually limited mobility.
The good news is that the by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and a good exercise culture, we can prevent or delay many problems.
Pain and worsening of shoulder joint wear - need for shoulder replacement
Among the shoulder pains, shoulder joint wear and tear and the associated shoulder pain, or movement restriction. Wear and tear diseases are caused by the wearing away of the cartilage covering the articular ends of the bones. As a result of the thinning of cartilage, the bones come together, causing severe pain and loss of movement.
At times, natural wear and tear associated with ageing, overuse, injuries or even genetic predisposition may also be behind it. From arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) may also contribute to wear and tear of the shoulder joint.
In the early stages of wear and tear diseases, shoulder pain usually occurs after physical activity. Over time, however, the complaint can become more persistent and is not relieved by rest. At this point, shoulder pain may become more frequent at night, disturbing sleep and impairing quality of life.
The management of shoulder joint wear is complex:
- Conservative treatments in the early stages, such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and local injections may be an option.
- In more severe cases, the implantation of a shoulder prosthesis may be the best choice for regaining mobility and relieving pain.
The importance of shoulder surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery is recommended for people who have failed conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy or injections.
The surgical intervention allows the function of the affected shoulder joint to be restored and pain to be significantly reduced or eliminated.
Customized shoulder prosthesis
Thanks to modern medicine, more, different types of shoulder prosthesis available, so implants can be customised. The choice of prosthesis depends on the degree of joint wear and the anatomical characteristics of the bones. Individualised solutions are better adapted to the patient's physical characteristics and therefore provide a higher level of comfort.
- Anatomical prosthesis:
The ideal choice if the patient rotator cuff intact. No muscle, tendon or ligament problems. The anatomical design of the shoulder prosthesis is identical to that of the shoulder joint of the human body. It is usually used in younger patients. - Reverz (or inverv) prosthesis:
In old age, not only the cartilaginous surface but also the surrounding tissues (rotator cuff) are damaged. A reverse prosthesis may then be the ideal choice. It is the most commonly implanted type of shoulder prosthesis. Here the concave part is placed at the end of the humerus, while the spherical part of the prosthesis is placed in the scapula. - Superficial shoulder replacement:
It is ideal if the disease only affects the humeral head. In this case, only the head is prosthesis.
Pain-free life again after shoulder replacement
Patients report significant improvement after shoulder replacement surgery. During the post-operative rehabilitation period, the focus is on strengthening the shoulder joint to help gradually regain range of motion. Quality of life improves significantly, and everyday activities such as cooking, driving or even playing sports become enjoyable again. A life without pain again is not only about regaining physical health, but also about regaining a zest for life and self-confidence.
Implanting a shoulder replacement is a big decision. As Dr. Bálint Major, shoulder surgeon, emphasises in every case:
- It is important to follow medical advice before and after surgery, to achieve the fullest possible recovery.
- As a result of technological progress and scientific research Shoulder replacement surgery is now safer and more effective than ever.
