Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Excess bleeding
- Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Shoulder stiffness
- Shoulder instability
- Injury to surrounding structures like the nerve, blood vessels, and shoulder joint
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
Reasons for Procedure
This surgery is done to ease shoulder pain in people who are not helped by other methods. It is also done when pain and stiffness limit normal activities.
It may be done to treat a broken shoulder, shoulder injuries, severe arthritis, and loss of blood supply to the bones of the shoulder.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
- Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
-
Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the shoulder
Anesthesia
The doctor may give:
- General anesthesia—you will be asleep
- Regional anesthesia—an area of the body will be numbed
Description of the Procedure
This can be done using open surgery or using a minimally invasive technique.
Open Surgery
An incision will be made along the joint. The muscles will be moved aside. Another incision will be made in the rotator cuff. This is the group of tendons that cover and support the shoulder joint. The damaged bone and cartilage of the shoulder joint will be removed. The remaining bone will be prepared for the artificial joint. The artificial joint will be put in place. Bone cement may be used to hold one or both parts of the artificial shoulder to the bone. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples. A drain may be inserted to remove fluids that may build up. A bandage will be placed over the area.
Minimally Invasive Technique
A few small incisions will be made. Tools will be passed through these incisions. Images may be taken to help guide surgery. The muscles will be moved aside. Another incision will be made in the rotator cuff. This is the group of tendons that cover and support the shoulder joint. The damaged bone and cartilage of the shoulder joint will be removed. The remaining bone will be prepared for the artificial joint. The artificial joint will be put in place. Bone cement may be used to hold one or both parts of the artificial shoulder to the bone. The tools will be removed. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples. A drain may be inserted to remove fluids that may build up. A bandage will be placed over the area.
How Long Will It Take?
A few hours
Will It Hurt?
Pain and swelling are common in the first few weeks. Medicine and home care can help.
Average Hospital Stay
The usual length of stay is 2 to 3 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.
Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital
Right after the procedure, the staff may:
- Give you pain medicine
- Give you medicine to prevent blood clots
- Raise the shoulder to ease swelling
- Apply ice to the area
- Put your arm in a sling to support the shoulder
- Do x-rays to check the new shoulder joint
Physical therapy will be started soon after the procedure.
During your stay, staff will take steps to lower your chance of infection, such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
You can also lower your chance of infection by:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
- Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
- Not letting others touch your incisions
At Home
Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You may need to ask for help with daily activities and delay your return to work for a few weeks. It will take about 8 weeks before you can begin light activities.
Call Your Doctor
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain that is not eased by medicine
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incisions
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, shoulder, or hand
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
