Shoulder prosthesis

Shoulder osteoarthritis or omarthrosis is a wear and tear of the shoulder cartilage, causing friction between the bones of this so-called glenohumeral joint responsible for pain.
It is a truly disabling disease because it is painful and responsible for a decrease in shoulder functionality that affects women more frequently and even more after the age of 50.
There are 2 types of osteoarthritis:
These causes are mainly tendonitis.
SYMPTOMS:
Pain, stiffness, functional impotence.

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The procedure always starts with medical treatment and then if it is insufficient, the doctor injects hyaluronic acid into the shoulder.
When all these treatments are no longer sufficient, the indication for surgery arises.
A complete radiographic check-up is performed to confirm the diagnosis and schedule the surgery. A dental and urinary check-up is also prescribed in order to look for an infection that should be treated before the operation to avoid as much as possible an infection of your prosthesis.
DIAGNOSIS:
Clinical and radiological

You have an appointment with a specialized surgeon.
A specific assessment is made beforehand:
• Complete biological assessment
• Bone assessment, biology, bone densitometry, MRI of the shoulder to assess the quality of tendons, scanner of the shoulder to look at the bone stock of the glenoid and its orientation.
• Based on all your data, the surgeon will decide which prosthesis to place.
• An appointment with the anesthesiologist
RESURFACING PROSTHESIS:
Indicated for young patients without tendon involvement, helps to avoid surgical recovery over time. It helps to maintain bone stock, i.e. worn bone and cartilage are covered without cutting the bone.
ANATOMICAL PROSTHESIS:
It is as close as possible to the real shoulder, may require tendon repair by arthroscopy but still requires good quality tendons. It consists of two implants: the first on the head of the humerus, the second on the glenoid.
REVERSE PROSTHESIS:
Indicated in patients over 65 years of age, when the joint is very damaged, more precisely when the rotator cuff is irreparable. It is being used more and more. It consists in placing the cup on the humerus side and the sphere on the scapula side. It is indicated in offset glenohumeral osteoarthritis.
THE INTERVENTION:
The surgery is performed under general and/or local anaesthesia and lasts between 1 and 2 hours. A scar is made on your shoulder and of a size adapted to each patient and pathology. The joint surfaces are removed (humerus and shoulder blade) using specially developed surgical instrumentation. The prosthesis can be fixed in the bone by impact (cementless prosthesis), by screwing (for the part on the shoulder blade) or with cement (cemented prosthesis) at the free choice of your surgeon.
At the end of the operation, a drain is left to evacuate the hematoma. The drain will be removed in the days following the operation. An immobilization splint is often put in place for a few days.

You stay in the recovery room for about 2 hours. The anaesthetist sets up a treatment against pain by venous or oral route. An elbow sling is placed to immobilize your joint.
Your hospitalization lasts between 4 and 6 days. A lift is carried out the same day with the help of a physiotherapist. A gentle physiotherapy is immediately implemented. Daily nursing care is provided to avoid any risk of infection. An X-ray and a biological check-up are done on your discharge.

About Shoulder prosthesis

Nursing care to change the bandages is provided every 2 days. The removal of the threads is done on the 10th day.
The daily physiotherapy sessions are started for a period of 4 to 8 weeks and adapted to the prosthesis placed.
A household helper is at your disposal.
You will be seen by your surgeon every month for 3 months with a control X-ray.
The pain and functionality of the shoulder is quickly improved.
The driving force is regained later in time and depends on the type of osteoarthritis.
MEDICAIM is looking for the best specialists for you and we will offer you several renowned doctors.
MEDICAIM organizes your entire stay for you: post-operative nursing care, biological follow-up, therapeutic, nutritional and psychological support.
Any additional questions? Ask your MEDICAIM doctor about it: careteam@medicaim.com