The doctor will recommend shoulder replacement surgery to patients suffering from:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Post- traumatic arthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Rotator Cuff Conditions
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Shoulder Instability
• Shoulder Separation
• Avascular Necrosis

Based on the severity of the symptoms the patient is experiencing and the severity of the condition, the doctor will choose a treatment for the patient. In extreme cases, surgery would be recommended.

Shoulder replacement surgery is generally performed when the patient suffers:

• A severe injury or a broken bone at the shoulder
• Severe arthritis that cannot be treated with non – surgical methods like taking anti-inflammatory medications
• A torn rotator cuff

Before recommending surgery, the doctor will ask the patient to get a series of tests like X-Ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) run.

An EMG Test or Nerve Conduction test may be recommended for evaluating the condition of the nerves that supply feed to the important muscles of the shoulder.

Based on the type and severity of the condition the patient is suffering from, the doctor will recommend a shoulder replacement surgery like:

Total shoulder replacement surgery: This is the most common type of surgery that replaces the ball-shaped upper part of the humerus with a prosthetic ball. The surgery also involves covering the socket with a new prosthetic implant.

Partial Shoulder replacement surgery: This surgery involves the replacement of only the ball-shaped part of the humerus.

Reverse shoulder replacement surgery: This surgery is performed on a torn rotator cuff or when the earlier replacement surgery has failed.

RECOVERY

Post-surgery rehabilitation starts usually on the day of the surgery itself. The arm would be under a sling which may need to be worn for about two to four weeks. Most patients are able to resume gentle daily activities from the sixth week.