In a shoulder TEP, both the head and the socket of the joint between the upper arm and the shoulder blade were artificially replaced, for example to treat advanced shoulder joint arthrosis. Shoulder TEPs are used less frequently than knee or hip TEPs, for example, because shoulder joint arthrosis is less common and anchoring the endoprosthesis to the shoulder is also more difficult. Pain following the operation is quite normal and may continue throughout the course of postoperative treatment.
Unfortunately, the implantation of a shoulder TEP at the current level is usually accompanied by a limitation of function, as it is difficult to restore this complex joint with artificial precision. Pain due to muscle tension or due to poor posture can be treated in physiotherapy and physical therapy. Comprehensive information on this topic can be found in the article: Shoulder TEP
Symptoms
Especially directly after the operation, severe pain in the shoulder area is often experienced, which can radiate mainly into the deltoid muscle area. Also numbness or tingling in this area or in the fingers can occur, this should normally disappear after a few days, otherwise the attending doctor should be contacted. Immediately after the operation, pain during the movement of the shoulder, especially when spreading and turning outwards, is also normal.
These should, however, become significantly weaker in the course of post-operative treatment after a few weeks if the wound healing has progressed further. A shoulder TEP cannot always perfectly reproduce the complex interaction of the joint partners. It is therefore to be expected that restrictions in mobility will remain, these can lead to muscle tension, which can also cause pain in the further course of the treatment.
Causes of the pain
The pain of shoulder TEP can have various causes.
- Immediately after the operation, wound pain caused by the injured and during the operation stretched structures such as skin and muscles usually predominate. This pain should have become significantly weaker after a few weeks and can be treated well with painkillers.
- Another cause is pain that lasts longer than the initial wound pain and occurs, for example, especially during movement and stress.
In the beginning, the muscles and tendons that have pain receptors have to adapt to the new situation of the joint. Later, existing restrictions in movement and the lack of movement of the joint can cause these structures to stick together and build up too much tension. This creates a vicious circle, because the relieving posture taken by the pain causes further shortening and sticking of the muscles and tendons.
- Of course, the pain in the operated shoulder can also be caused by the prosthesis itself, if the material could not be fitted perfectly, if the prosthesis has loosened or even luxated. Therefore, persistent pain should always be clarified by the treating physician.
