Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Delhi
Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Delhi
Blog Article
Understanding the Shoulder Joint
he shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, providing a wide range of motion. It consists of the upper arm bone (humerus) with a rounded head (the ball) that fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade (scapula) called the glenoid. This structure allows for versatile arm movements. However, due to its flexibility, the shoulder is susceptible to injuries and degenerative conditions.
When Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Needed?
Several conditions can damage the shoulder joint, leading to the need for replacement surgery:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease causing the cartilage to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in the joint lining, resulting in pain and swelling.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis developing after a serious shoulder injury, such as a fracture or dislocation.
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Severe arthritis resulting from a long-standing rotator cuff tear.
- Avascular Necrosis: A condition where the blood supply to the head of the humerus is disrupted, causing bone death and joint damage.
- Severe Fractures: Complex shoulder fractures that are difficult to repair may necessitate replacement.
Doctors typically more info recommend shoulder replacement surgery when these conditions cause significant pain or limit daily activities, and when non-surgical treatments like medications and physical therapy haven’t provided relief.
Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgeries
There are different types of shoulder replacement surgeries, tailored to the specific condition of the patient:
- Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic Shoulder Arthroplasty): This involves replacing both the ball and the socket with prosthetic components. The damaged humeral head is replaced with a metal ball, and the glenoid cavity is fitted with a plastic socket. This type is suitable for patients with intact rotator cuff tendons.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): Only the humeral head (the ball) is replaced in this procedure. It’s often recommended when the glenoid cavity is healthy, but the humeral head is damaged.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: In this surgery, the positions of the ball and socket are switched—a metal ball is attached to the shoulder blade, and a plastic socket is placed on the humerus. This design allows other muscles to compensate for a deficient rotator cuff, making it suitable for patients with severe rotator cuff tears or cuff tear arthropathy.