Shoulder Prosthesis
What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery (Shoulder Arthroplasty)?
Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common condition, particularly in the elderly, that negatively impacts quality of life through chronic pain, joint stiffness, and weakness. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the degeneration or deterioration of cartilage as a result of wear and tear in the joint. Cartilage protects the bones in the shoulder and helps the joint function smoothly by providing a painless, smooth gliding surface at the end of each bone.
For patients with severe osteoarthritis, shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, can be an effective treatment option. Orthopedic shoulder surgeon Dr. Serkan Sürücü offers this procedure for those who have tried all non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment methods but have not been successful.
When Should Shoulder Replacement Surgery Be Performed?
Shoulder replacement surgery is performed when methods such as rest, medication, physical therapy, or arthroscopic shoulder surgery have not provided sufficient pain and functional relief. Dr. Provencher typically recommends shoulder arthroplasty when these options have failed.
During surgery, Dr. Provencher makes a small incision on the front of the shoulder to access the damaged joint. Then, the degenerated bone and cartilage are replaced with medical-grade metal and plastic components. These artificial components are designed to allow for smooth and painless shoulder movement. The components are secured in place with the help of bone cement and rotator cuff muscle-tendon structures.
Who is it suitable for?
Shoulder arthroplasty is not ideal for every patient. Because the prosthesis can wear down over time, this procedure is generally preferred in patients over 50 years of age. In younger and more active patients, Dr. Provencher recommends joint-preserving and cartilage repair techniques in most cases.
Recovery Process After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
To regain full strength and mobility of the replaced joint, patients must adhere to a post-operative physical therapy and rehabilitation program.
In the initial phase, safe movements and certain restrictions are applied for approximately six weeks. After this period, the program continues until patients can return to their normal activities without pain.
Purpose of the Procedure and Indications
Shoulder Prosthesis is not planned simply to correct a scan finding. Candidacy brings together pain, loss of function, the structural problem, the quality and duration of appropriate non-surgical care, and the patient's work or sporting goals. The expected benefit and limitations are defined before surgery so that the operation addresses a clinically meaningful problem.
Who Is a Candidate and When Is Surgery Deferred?
The diagnosis should be supported by examination and imaging, and expected benefit should outweigh risk. Active infection, uncontrolled medical disease, smoking that materially affects healing or an inability to participate in rehabilitation may need attention first. Age alone does not decide treatment; tissue quality, activity goals and overall health are considered together.
Preparing for Surgery
Medicines, blood thinners, allergies and previous operations are reviewed, and medication is not stopped without medical advice. Transport, help at home and early daily tasks are planned in advance. The consent discussion covers the proposed procedure, possible additional work, pain control, protection and rehabilitation so that recovery expectations are practical.
How Is the Technique Chosen?
Open or arthroscopic access, implant or graft choice and associated procedures are matched to the anatomy of the problem. Operations with the same name do not contain identical steps for every patient. Findings at surgery may require the plan to be adjusted within the alternatives discussed beforehand, particularly when tissue quality differs from imaging.
Anaesthesia and the First Days
Anaesthesia is selected for the extent of surgery and the patient's health; a regional block can support early pain control in some operations. Wound care, prescribed medicines, swelling control and sling or brace instructions matter during the first days. Permitted movement of the hand, foot or neighbouring joints helps maintain circulation and mobility without stressing the repair.
Risks, Alternatives and Review
Infection, bleeding, stiffness, nerve or vessel injury, persistent pain and failure to reach the intended result are general risks; procedure-specific risks are discussed separately. Alternatives may include activity changes, physiotherapy, medication or injections depending on the diagnosis. Increasing wound redness or drainage, fever, new numbness or weakness, or unexpected severe pain needs prompt review. The next step should reflect the diagnosis, the demands placed on the joint and the patient's goals. You can review shoulder care, read about shoulder arthroscopy, or request an assessment for an individual plan.
Shared decision-making is important because the same anatomical finding can affect two people differently. Work demands, caregiving responsibilities, sport, previous treatment and tolerance for recovery time all influence the choice between continued rehabilitation, an injection or an operation. The plan should state what success means and when it will be reconsidered.
A useful treatment plan for Shoulder Prosthesis records a baseline before intervention: pain-provoking tasks, active movement, strength or endurance and the activities the patient wants to regain. Repeating the same measures at follow-up shows whether progress is meaningful and helps distinguish a temporary reduction in pain from a durable improvement in function.
Continue with shoulder care, shoulder arthroscopy and rotator cuff tears, or use contact and appointments for an individual assessment.