Anatomic Shoulder Replacement

What Is a Total Shoulder Arthroplasty?

A total shoulder arthroplasty (aka replacement) is a surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic joint are replaced with a prosthesis or artificial joint. The ball (humeral head) is resurfaced with metal, and the socket (glenoid) is resurfaced with plastic. The artificial joint is designed to move like a normal, healthy joint.

How Is the Shoulder Replaced?

The prosthesis will be placed through an incision along the front of the shoulder. The ball component is secured into the top of the humerus, and bone grows into it over time. The socket will be cemented in place.

Length of Stay

Depending on the complexity of your surgery and your overall health, you may go home the same day or spend one night in the hospital. You will need to have someone drive you home after you have been discharged.

Anesthesia

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will also receive a nerve block on the day of surgery to help control your postoperative pain. Your arm will be numb from the nerve block for about 12 – 14 hours. The anesthesiologist will speak to you more about this on the day of surgery.

Incision

You will have an incision along the front of your shoulder, approximately 5 inches long.

Sling

Your arm will be placed in a sling after surgery. You will remain in the sling 24/7 until you see the physician for your first postoperative appointment. This includes sleeping! The sling can only be removed for dressing and showering.

Dressings

You will go home with a clear dressing over the incision. Underneath, you will see skin glue which is used to seal the sterile incision from the outside world. Leave the dressing in place until your first postoperative visit. You may shower with this dressing.

Blood Thinners

In most cases, aspirin will be prescribed for 4 weeks. This is to prevent blood formation. If you are considered high risk or have a history of blood clots, other medications may be prescribed. DO NOT take these medications AND aspirin simultaneously.

Restrictions

Recovery from a total shoulder replacement is 3 – 6 months. During that time, you will have limitations on the use of your arm. You may drive when you feel that you can safely control a vehicle, and you are NOT taking narcotic pain medication.

Timeline

Surgery to Week 6: No active reaching and lifting. No reaching behind your back or overhead. No pushing up from a chair or closing doors.

Dental Procedures

All dental procedures should be avoided for 3 months after surgery. If you require dental work sooner, please contact our office for an antibiotic prescription. After 3 months, antibiotics are not required for dental procedures.

We thank you for entrusting your shoulder care to Carrell Clinic. If you have any concerns, questions, or issues, please call us at (214) 397-1505.

Dr. Holt Cutler