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Shoulder Joint Replacement

Shoulder Joint Replacement Specialist in Omaha, NE

Shoulder joint replacement is recommended for severe injuries or arthritis of the shoulder causing pain, swelling and stiffness in the joint. It involves removing the damaged articulating parts and replacing them with prostheses. Dr. Ranjan Gupta offers expertise in diagnosis and specialized care during and after shoulder joint replacement in Omaha, NE.

Contact Dr. Gupta's office for an appointment today!

What is Shoulder Joint Replacement?

Total shoulder replacement surgery is performed to relieve symptoms of severe shoulder pain and disability due to arthritis. In this surgery, the damaged articulating parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial prostheses. Replacement of both the humeral head and the socket is called a total shoulder replacement.

Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder is a highly movable body joint that allows various movements of the arm. It is a ball and socket joint, where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) articulates with the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade), which is called the glenoid. The two articulating surfaces of the bones are covered with cartilage, which prevents friction between the moving bones. The cartilage is lubricated by synovial fluid. Tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint provide strength and stability to the joint.

What is Arthritis?

When the cartilage is damaged, the two bones rub against each other causing pain, swelling and stiffness of the joint. This condition is called arthritis. There are many types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear brought about by old age) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease) are two forms of arthritis.

What are the Indications for Shoulder Joint Replacement?

Total shoulder joint replacement is a surgery indicated for conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when medication, injections, physical therapy, and activity changes do not help relieve pain. Your doctor recommends surgery when you have the following symptoms:

  • Severe shoulder pain that restricts daily activities
  • Moderate to severe pain during rest
  • Weakness and/or loss of motion

Preparation for Shoulder Joint Replacement

To decide whether total shoulder replacement is a good option for you, Dr Ranjan Gupta, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon will evaluate your condition thoroughly.

Dr Ranjan Gupta, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon reviews your medical history and performs a physical examination of your shoulder to assess the extent of mobility and pain. Imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are ordered.

Shoulder Joint Replacement Procedure

Shoulder joint replacement surgery is performed by Dr Ranjan Gupta, under regional or general anesthesia and involves the following steps:

  • An incision is made by Dr. Gupta over the affected shoulder to expose the joint. The underlying muscles are carefully separated to access the shoulder joint.
  • The upper arm bone (humerus) is separated from the glenoid socket of the scapula. The arthritic or damaged humeral head is removed, and the humerus is hollowed out in preparation for the artificial implant.
  • A metal ball with a stem is gently press-fit or cemented into the prepared humerus bone.
  • The damaged glenoid socket is prepared, and a plastic glenoid component is securely fixed into the shoulder bone.
  • Once the artificial components are properly positioned and secured, the joint is reassembled to ensure smooth mobility and alignment.
  • The joint capsule is stitched together, surrounding tissues are approximated, and the wound is closed with sutures.

Postoperative Care for Shoulder Joint Replacement

After the surgery, medications and antibiotics are prescribed to control pain and prevent infection. Your arm may be secured in a sling or cast. The rehabilitation program includes physical therapy, which is started soon after the surgery and is very important to strengthen and provide mobility to the shoulder. You may be able to perform gentle daily activities two to six weeks after surgery.

Risks and Complications of Shoulder Joint Replacement

As with any major surgery, there may be potential risks involved:

  • Anaesthetic complications such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting
  • Infection of the wound
  • Dislocation, requiring repeat surgery
  • Damage to blood vessels, nerves or muscles
  • Failure to relieve pain
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Wear and tear of the prosthesis

If you would like to learn more about shoulder joint replacement or other procedures, please contact Dr. Ranjan Gupta who offers specialized orthopedic care for various shoulder conditions in Omaha, NE.

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