SHOULDER SURGERY

SHOULDER SURGERY

Shoulder joint

The shoulder joint is formed by 3 different bones. These bones are the shovel, the arm bone and the collarbone. The shoulder in the arm bone sits in the pocket of the shovel, and the arm moves up, down, to the sides, to the front and back. There are four muscle beams around the shoulder joint that connect the arm bone to the shovel. This group of muscles is known as the rotator cuff muscles and helps to move the shoulder joint by allowing the head to stay firmly in the nest.

The diseases that can cause shoulder surgery

Shoulder surgery might be needed in cases such as shoulder calcification, shoulder joint deterioration due to rheumatic diseases, rupture of rotator muscles, shoulder fractures and avascular necrosis due to nutritional problems of the shoulder joint.

What is shoulder arthroscopy?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a closed surgical method frequently used by orthopedic specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder joint related structures. At the shoulder arthroscope, the orthopedic specialist makes a small incision and reaches into the joint through a small camera called an arthroscope and sees the shoulder structures on the screen. Once the pathology causing the shoulder pain has been determined, the small tools needed to repair are directed into the shoulder joint with a separate incision. Patients should be evaluated for surgery if shoulder pain cannot be improved by non-operative treatment methods such as rest, drug therapy, physical therapy and local injections. The physical examination and imaging methods to be performed by the orthopedic surgeon are evaluated and the operation is decided. Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure frequently used in the repair of rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, bone protrusions, clearing of intraarticular free cartilage, and repetitive shoulder dislocation. Patients are discharged within 1-2 days after surgery. After shoulder arthroscopy rest for 1-2 and shoulder arm suspension for 3-6 weeks is recommended. A good rehabilitation program is essential for the healing after shoulder surgery to be fast and complete.

Shoulder prosthesis surgery

Shoulder prosthesis surgery is to replace the shoulder joint with artificial metallic parts and surfaces due to arthritis, avascular necrosis due to nutrition, and fractures, to form a new shoulder joint. Shoulder prosthesis surgery should be done by experienced orthopedic specialists in this field because of the specific anatomy of the shoulder. Shoulder surgery should be performed as late as possible, but should not be delayed in cases where the pain and functional restraint are advanced. The shoulder joint is reached with a 10-15 cm incision made from the front part of the shoulder and shoulder prosthesis is placed. Half-shoulder prostheses are prostheses that one of the articular surfaces has been replaced and applied usually for fragmented fractures. Total shoulder prostheses are prostheses where both joints are replaced. Total shoulder prosthesis is an effective and safe method of treatment for severe shoulder pain and functional limitation due to frequent calcification. Shoulder surgery takes about 1.5-2 hours. Patients are carried out with the walker the next day after surgery and begin exercises. Patients can be discharged within 3-5 days after surgery. Patients with shoulder prosthesis use arm bandages for about 3-4 weeks. The degree of movement is increased by the orthopedic surgeon according to the controls performed in certain periods. A good rehabilitation program is essential for the healing after shoulder surgery to be fast and complete. If the post-operative exercise program is observed, patients may be able to perform their daily activities within approximately 3 months.

After Shoulder Surgery

The patient should follow the warnings by the orthopedic surgeon after the operation. Patients should do the exercises in recommended time and at recommended intensity. In the early period, the shoulder should not lift more than half a kilo. Activities requiring pushing or pulling and contact sports should be avoided after shoulder surgery. Patients should be warned against falling and take the necessary precautions in this regard.