Osteoarthritis, is the most common reason why a doctor would recommend a person to undergo a shoulder replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis though uncommon for shoulder joint, is caused by the degeneration of the joint over time through wear and tear which can be caused by ageing. Often, osteoarthritis can occur years after an injury to the shoulder. Damage is caused to the articular cartilage and other joint tissues by the extra movement or repeated dislocation of the unstable joint. Over time, this damage leads to osteoarthritis. Systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may affect any joint in the body. Whatever the type or cause of the arthritis, the shoulder may become painful and difficult to use. If this pain cannot be controlled or if it becomes impossible to use your shoulder for daily tasks, your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement surgery.

The Shoulder joint

There are two major types of artificial shoulder replacements: a cemented prosthesis and an un-cemented prosthesis. A cemented prosthesis is held in place by a type of epoxy cement that attaches the metal to the bone. An un-cemented prosthesis has a fine mesh of holes on the surface where the bone grows into the mesh. Over time, this anchors the prosthesis to the bone.

The surgeon determines the type of replacement joint based on your age, your lifestyle, and the surgeon's experience.

The prosthesis is made up of two parts, the humeral component replaces the humeral head, or the ball of the joint and the glenoid component replaces the socket of the shoulder, which is actually part of the scapula.

The humeral component is made of metal. The glenoid component is usually made of two parts. A metal tray attaches directly to the bone and a plastic cup forms the socket. The plastic is very tough and very slick, very much like the articular cartilage that it would be replacing.

Shoulder replacement surgery is done through an incision on the front of your shoulder. This is called an anterior approach. The surgeon cuts through the skin and then isolates the nerves and blood vessels and moves them to the side. The muscles are also moved to the side.

The surgeon enters the shoulder joint itself by cutting into the joint capsule. This allows the surgeon to see the joint.

Now, the surgeon prepares the bone for attaching the replacement parts. A bone saw is used to removed the ball portion of the humeral head. The hollow inside of the upper humerus is prepared using a rasp. This allows the surgeon mold the space to anchor the metal stem of the humeral component inside the bone. If the glenoid has to be replaced an instrument called Burr is used to grind away any remaining cartilage on the surface. The surgeon usually uses the burr to drill holes into the bone of the scapula. This is where the stem of the glenoid component is anchored. Finally, the humeral component and the glenoid component are inserted and the humeral ball is attached. Once the joint is anchored, the surgeon tests for proper fit. When the surgeon is satisfied with the fit, the joint capsule is stitched together. The muscles are then returned to their correct positions and the skin is also stitched up. A bandage will cover your incision and your arm will be placed in a sling.

Some of the most common complications following artificial shoulder replacement are:

• Complications due to Anesthesia
• Infection of the joint or the surgical site
• Loosening of the joint
• Dislocation of the joint
• Injury to the nerve or blood vessel

Infection following joint replacement surgery can be very serious. The chances of developing an infection following artificial joint replacement, however, are very low. The major reason that artificial joints eventually fail is that they loosen where the metal or cement meets the bone. A loose joint prosthesis causes pain. Once the pain becomes unbearable, another operation will probably be needed to fix the artificial joint.

Just like your real shoulder, an artificial shoulder can dislocate. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball comes out of the socket. There is a greater risk of dislocation right after surgery, before the tissues have healed around the new joint.

A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to help with the recovery of your shoulder. Your shoulder may be placed in a CPM machine immediately after surgery. With the shoulder strapped to the CPM, the machine continuously bends and straightens the joint. This helps the shoulder begin moving and alleviates joint stiffness. Doing this, is thought to reduce stiffness, ease pain and keep extra scar tissue from forming inside the joint. When under rest, a sling will be used to support your arm.

You wear the sling at night for 4 to 6 weeks. Most patients are able to perform simple activities such as eating, dressing and grooming within 2 weeks after surgery. Driving a car is not allowed for 6 weeks after surgery.

The other Orthopedic Procedures are:

• Achilles Tendon Repair
  
• Hip Replacement
  
• Knee Joint Replacement
  
• Disc Hernia
  
• Elbow Replacement … etc

Few Major Hospitals for Shoulder Joint Replacement are:

• Knee Surgery India
  
• Wockhardt Hospitals
  
• Apollo Hospitals
  
• Max Healthcare
  
• Piyavate Hospital
  
• Florence Nightingale Hospital
  

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