The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the human body, consisting of the humerus and the glenoid cavity. During the joint replacement surgery, the head of the humerus is most often replaced with a metal prosthesis, and a plastic (cartilage-type) prosthesis is installed instead of the glenoid cavity.
Indications
Shoulder joint replacement is indicated in cases of joint necrosis, chronic polyarthritis, deformity due to osteoarthritis, infectious joint inflammation, age-related wear, severe injuries (fractures), and in cases of instability (dislocation) of the joint.
Goals
Depending on the specifics of each patient's condition, specialists in Israel develop an individualized treatment approach. The main objectives are to eliminate pain, halt the progression of inflammatory processes, and restore the joint's motor function.
Types of Arthroplasty
Surface arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty) of the shoulder joint involves leaving the glenoid cavity and humerus untouched, replacing only the cartilage covering of the head of the bone. In this case, a metal prosthesis is used. This type of prosthesis has a downside – gradual wear of the joint capsule, which will lead to increased pain and decreased mobility. However, the surgery improves rotational capacity by up to 40%. Total shoulder joint replacement involves replacing both components – the bone head and the glenoid cavity. This type of prosthesis is used quite frequently in Israel. The accuracy of the size of the humeral head prosthesis is very important; otherwise, the patient may suffer from pain and loss of joint mobility afterward. Arthroplasty is an effective treatment method that fully restores the shoulder's motor ability. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is indicated in cases of rotator cuff tear and involves placing the shoulder joint prosthesis in an inverted position, which partially restores shoulder mobility.
Rehabilitation
After shoulder joint replacement surgery, the patient gradually develops the range of motion of the shoulder joint until full recovery. After six weeks of gentle training, more serious exercises can be started.
Contraindications
For effective prosthesis implantation, the health and stability of the bones are essential. Therefore, the surgery is contraindicated in cases of osteoporosis and necrosis. Additionally, the presence of any infection in the body is a strict contraindication.