Revision Shoulder Replacement
Revision Shoulder Replacement (Shoulder Arthroplasty) Surgeon
Have you had a shoulder joint replacement to alleviate long-term pain and are still experiencing pain, stiffness and shoulder instability? If so, you may need to consider a revision shoulder arthroplasty. Revision shoulder surgeon, Nikhl Verma provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Chicago who may need a revision shoulder replacement. Contact Dr. Verma’s team today!
An Overview on Revision Shoulder Replacement (Shoulder Arthroplasty)
The shoulder is a remarkable joint with a wide range of motion. The motion is provided by the ball and socket joint that is formed by the ball of the humerus fitting into the socket of the glenoid. Cartilage lines the bones and allows them to move smoothly on each other with no pain. When the cartilage begins to degenerate, the smooth surfaces become rough and the bones start to rub, leading to shoulder pain. If a patient underwent a shoulder joint replacement to alleviate long-term shoulder pain and still experiences severe pain and stiffness, a revision shoulder arthroplasty may be recommended by Dr. Nikhil Verma, shoulder surgeon treating patients living in the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois communities.
What is a Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder joint replacement is a complex procedure designed to remove damaged bones and cartilage and replace them with metal and plastic components. Shoulder replacement can fail for numerous reasons, including infection, loosening of the prosthesis, progressive wear of the components or a subsequent rotator cuff tear that leads to abnormal joint biomechanics.
How to Know Shoulder Replacement Failed
When shoulder joint replacement fails, patients can experience instability, stiffness, persistent pain and other debilitating shoulder symptoms. Dr. Verma is highly trained and experienced at treating these symptoms with a revision shoulder arthroplasty.
The main goal of a revision shoulder arthroplasty is to alleviate pain and increase range of motion. In many cases, bone and soft tissue deficiencies interfere with the shoulder’s ability to function and move as intended. Patients who have had a shoulder replacement but are experiencing pain, functional deficits or loss of range of motion should be evaluated by a physician with experience in revision surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Revision Shoulder Replacement?
In order to determine if a patient is a candidate for revision, Dr. Verma will perform a thorough medical review, physical examination and diagnostic tests such as xrays and CT scans to determine the possible cause of replacement failure. Patients will be expected to provide Dr. Verma with specific information on the onset of discomfort or loss of function, any injuries to the joint since replacement and the physical therapy program followed after shoulder joint replacement. The physical examination will test shoulder weakness, stiffness and range of motion. Diagnostic tests, typically a series of X-rays, will help determine the position of the prosthetic components, as well as any wear or loosening.
Once a decision is made that the components have become loose, infected or failed, revision surgery is generally indicated. Revision may require removal and replacement of one or both implants depending on the specific situation. In many cases, revision surgery is accomplished using a reverse shoulder prosthesis to maximize function of the shoulder. In some cases, bone graft, either form a donor, or from the patients hip may be required to reconstitute missing bone from the prior surgery. In cases of infection, the components may be removed and the patient treated with antibiotics until the infection is resolved before the new components are implanted at a second stage procedure.
What is the Recovery After Revision Shoulder Replacement?
As the demand for shoulder joint replacement increases, the demand for revision shoulder arthroplasty is expected to increase. Dr. Verma has extensive experience in shoulder replacement including revision shoulder surgery. The surgery is generally performed with a one or two night hospital stay. Typically following surgery, patients can expect to be immobilized in a sling for four to six weeks. Physical therapy and home exercises are then used to maximize functional recovery and maximum improvement is expected six to twelve months following the procedure.
For more resources on shoulder joint replacement and revision shoulder arthroplasty, please contact the office of Dr. Nikhil Verma, shoulder surgeon in the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois area.
