What is shoulder replacement surgery?

In shoulder replacement surgery, a doctor removes the end of the upper arm bone. Often he or she also takes out the end of the shoulder bone. The ends are replaced with plastic or metal pieces.

To do this surgery, the doctor makes a cut about 15 centimetres long on your shoulder. This cut is called an incision. The incision leaves a scar that usually fades with time.

You will probably stay in the hospital for 2 or 3 days after your surgery. Your rehabilitation program (rehab) starts when you are in the hospital. You will do this rehab for about 3 months or longer.

It takes at least 6 months to return to full activity. But if you can avoid certain arm movements like lifting, you may be able to go back to work in as soon as 2 to 3 weeks.

After surgery and rehab, you probably will have much less pain than before. And you should be able to return to your usual activities. But your doctor may advise you not to do activities that put stress on that shoulder, such as weight lifting or tennis.

In the future, make sure to let all health professionals know about your artificial shoulder. You may have to take antibiotics before you have dental work or a medical procedure. This helps reduce the chance that your new shoulder will get infected.

What happens on the day of surgery?

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  Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
• Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery centre

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  Bring a picture ID.
• The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.

Going home

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  Be sure you have someone to drive you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine make it unsafe for you to drive.
• You will be given more specific instructions about recovering from your surgery. They will cover things like diet, wound care, follow-up care, driving, and getting back to your normal routine.
• Get extra help at home. This is most important if you live alone or care for another person.
• A physiotherapist will show you how to use a pulley device. This will help you lift your arm. It will also keep your shoulder flexible. You won't be allowed to use your shoulder muscles. So you will need to use the pulley to move your shoulder.
• You will wear a sling at night. It's also a good idea to put a small stack of folded sheets or towels under your upper arm when you are in bed. This can keep your arm from dropping too far back. Your arm should be next to your body or in front of it for several weeks. Try to do this at all times, even when you sleep.
• Don't lift anything with the affected arm for 6 weeks.