Anatomic Shoulder Replacement

Following a shoulder replacement you will have a dressing over the surgical incision.

This remains for 12-14 days after surgery. The dressing is kept clean and dry. A drain may be used; this will be removed within 24- 48 hours. Antibiotics will be given in the immediate post-surgical period. Dissolvable sutures are used and do not need to be removed.

The arm is kept in a sling or brace for approximately six weeks. This protects the subscapularis tendon which is released and repaired at the time of surgery.

The sling is worn both for comfort and also to remind you not to do any activity that may damage the shoulder. You are allowed to take the sling off in a safe environment and do simple exercises as per your doctor and physiotherapist. Pain is usually well controlled and medication to control pain is taken as needed.

Rehabilitation is carried out under the supervision of your doctor and physiotherapist. The rehabilitation is often tailored to the specifics of your surgical procedure. In general, protected range of movement is followed by progressive strengthening. It is necessary to avoid certain movements in the initial healing period such as stress on a repaired subscapularis tendon.

Complications are unusual and most patients have good outcomes from surgery. Problems can arise from general medical problems such as cardiac or respiratory problems. Any pre-existing conditions may cause complications after surgery. Problems relating to the procedure itself such as infection, dislocation, fracture nerve or blood vessel injury are rare but can occur.

All joint replacement will have a rate of failure; this is about 10% over 10 years for shoulder replacement.