Definition
The shoulder prosthesis is an artificial replacement of the shoulder joint. During implantation, injured, worn or diseased joint surfaces are replaced during surgery. The surgeon can choose between different types of shoulder prosthesis. There are complete prostheses (total shoulder endoprosthesis) or those that only replace the joint surface of the upper arm. The decision is made after considering the needs and the already existing damage to the patient.
Indications: When is a shoulder prosthesis useful?
An important indication for the shoulder prosthesis is arthrosis in the shoulder joint (omarthrosis). Arthrosis results in abrasion of the joint cartilage, which is essential for free mobility and pain-free use. Arthrosis can be caused.
Other indications are bone fractures that have destroyed the shoulder joint so that its functionality is no longer guaranteed. Less frequently, prostheses have to be inserted due to the death of the head of the humerus (humeral head necrosis) or due to tumors in the upper arm.
- Due to age
- After injuries
- After incorrect loading or
- Due to other underlying diseases
Contraindications: What speaks against a shoulder prosthesis?
Since the insertion of a shoulder prosthesis is a major intervention that destroys the natural joint, conservative measures such as physiotherapy should always be carried out first before deciding in favor of surgery. Caution is advised with diseases such as osteoporosis, which soften the bone. There is a risk that the prosthesis will not hold or loosen early on.
Risks during surgery
In general, a distinction is made between risks that can occur during an operation and risks that are preferably possible after successful prosthesis implantation. Rare, but extremely undesirable, are risks such as infection of the inserted prosthesis itself with subsequent loosening of the prosthesis, which may necessitate another operation. Slippage of the material or even sliding of the prosthesis out of the joint guide (luxation) are also among the risks after the operation.
- The risks during surgery include the very general risks of the operation, such as accidental injury to vascular and nerve structures, injury to surrounding tissue (including the humerus and shoulder blade) and the introduction of germs into the surgical area.
- After the operation, postoperative bleeding, wound infections and wound healing disorders may occur. The risk of suffering a thrombosis or pulmonary embolism postoperatively is relatively low after a shoulder operation, as getting up and moving around is possible quickly.
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