Shoulder Replacement Surgery Recovery Time

Shoulder replacement surgery, or shoulder arthroplasty, is the removal and replacement of any or all portions of the shoulder joint which have significantly degraded to the point of daily pain and loss of function.

This surgery may be an option for those who are suffering from chronic pain of the shoulder joint, or those who have experienced a significant injury or wear to their shoulder.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder joint, like many joints, is a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. The three bones that make up the shoulder are the scapula (shoulder blade), the humerus (arm bone), and the clavicle (collarbone).

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, meaning that the top of the humerus meets the scapula in a portion where there is a socket called the glenoid cavity. Ball-and-socket joints are structured so that the attached limbs can have a wide range of motion. This type of joint also occurs in the hips.

Between the bones of the shoulder joint is a significant amount of cartilage. The humerus is covered in articular cartilage, and the glenoid cavity has a piece of cartilage called the labrum. The bursa is a small sac full of fluid that helps the joint move smoothly. The purpose of these types of cartilage is to ensure that the joint can glide smoothly during activity. If the cartilage begins to break down or becomes torn, the bones will begin to rub against one another and cause pain.

The role of keeping the joint in place falls to the rotator cuff- though the term can be misleading. The term “rotator cuff” actually refers to a grouping of muscles and tendons that surround the joint to provide stability by keeping the ball joint in the socket.

All of these small pieces make up the greater shoulder joint. Each tissue can also become damaged or injured, causing pain and discomfort. Chronic pain can be manageable, but when it becomes unbearable or begins to interfere with daily life, it is time to see a doctor.

Shoulder pain can be chronic or only occur during certain activities. It can be a short, sharp pain, or it can be a dull ache – or anywhere in between. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain are:

• Arthritis
• Instability
• Tendonitis
• Impingement
• Broken Bones

Diagnosing a Shoulder Injury

Initially, doctors will want to know about medical history, previous injuries, occupation, and more. They will ask questions about what symptoms are occurring and where the pain is located. It is important to be as honest as possible during this portion of the examination, as information that may not seem relevant can be used to inform a diagnosis.

Testing begins with a physical evaluation. Doctors will observe the shoulder joint and look for any abnormalities or swelling. They will then observe the strength and range of motion that the shoulder has. Doing so could determine the cause of pain, but most doctors will order more intensive testing to determine the exact cause:

• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging can provide doctors with an image of the soft tissues in the joint. If pain is being caused by damage to the soft tissue, MRI will usually be able to spot it.
• X-ray: this type of imaging allows doctors to see the bones within a joint. If pain is being caused by damage to the bones, an X-Ray will detect this. Some shoulder pain can be caused by an abnormality in bone structure that places stress on the surrounding soft tissue; an X-Ray would be able to detect this as well.
• CT scan: Computed Tomography scans can produce a cross-sectional image of an area. This can help doctors see how the structure is impacting other areas of the joint.
• EMG: Electromyography is a test that determines how healthy and functional the nerves are. The test sends small electrical pulses down the arm and will time them. If the pulses take longer to reach the hand, this is indicative of nerve damage.

Shoulder pain that is addressed in its early stages can often be treated using nonsurgical methods. In some cases, the initial injury is severe enough that surgery is necessary. Consulting with a doctor and receiving an accurate diagnosis are the first steps in the recovery process.

Conventional Treatments of Shoulder Pain

Each potential injury has its recovery process. Recovering from tendonitis may be different than recovering from arthritis, for example. Doctors will know which treatment plan is best for each patient depending on their needs.

Many shoulder injuries respond well to initial nonsurgical methods of treatment. The specifics may change, but generally, the most common treatments are:

• Rest: simply resting the joint and avoiding activities that induce pain can be enough for it to heal on its own. This is generally recommended throughout the healing process, but for some, it is all they need. Patients with minor injuries who rest the joint can see results within one week.
• Altering activity: avoiding activity or doing it differently (by exercising different muscles) could be enough to relieve symptoms in some patients. This is especially true when shoulder pain is caused by overuse or repetitive motion.
• Physical therapy: the goal of physical therapy is to strengthen muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, which provides stability. For patients who are experiencing chronic dislocations, tendonitis, or impingement, this is a good option. It should be noted that certain shoulder conditions such as a fracture benefit more from rest than exercise – be sure to consult a doctor before undergoing physical therapy to ensure that it is proper treatment.
• Pain relief: applying ice to the injury and taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen can reduce pain. Reducing pain can allow patients to go about their daily lives, and it can make physical therapy easier. Doctors sometimes prescribe painkillers. Prescription painkillers should be only taken as it is directed.
• Corticosteroid injections: a powerful anti-inflammatory injection that can relieve pain. This shot can cause long-term tissue damage, however, so it is not for everybody and should always be closely monitored by a professional.
• Surgery: shoulder surgery can come in many forms. It is typically seen as the final option for treating shoulder pain and is only suggested if a patient has tried nonsurgical treatment methods but experienced little to no pain relief. The two major types of surgery that are performed are Arthroscopy and Open Surgery.
  • Arthroscopy: surgeons use a tool with a tiny camera on the end to enter the joint and observe the tissue. This can be used as a diagnostic method. In most cases, arthroscopy involves the use of other small tools that correct the tissue with the guidance of the camera. This may include the removal of damaged tissue, reshaping the bone, and repairing soft tissue. Arthroscopy is less invasive than open surgery and often has a shorter recovery period.
  • Open surgery: the term “open surgery” refers to surgery that is performed with a major incision. This can include rotator cuff repair or total shoulder replacement. Arthroscopy is generally less invasive than open surgery, so it is not always the first choice. Certain conditions and the patient’s needs may factor into whether medical professionals decide to do open surgery or arthroscopy.

Treatment plans will look different from one patient to the next. Dedication and commitment to the plan can result in symptom relief and a lower chance of injury later in life. While it is not fatal to deviate from the recovery plan, it can cause symptoms to worsen and create complications during recovery.

Making the Decision

Many shoulder surgeries are elective, meaning that the patient decides to have surgery or not. Throughout the entire recovery process, it is important to communicate with medical professionals. They can help to address any questions that may arise and can explain the surgery to the extent that the patient is comfortable.

Many factors may influence a patient’s decision to undergo surgery, including money, taking time off of work, the extent of daily disruption, and support system. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery can be extremely beneficial to a patient. Being aware of what exactly is going to happen and the potential risks can greatly ease any anxiety or stress that comes with making the decision.

Understanding the risks of surgery is important going in – these risks include infection, blood clots, or a reaction to anesthesia – though there may be more risks that are important to discuss with professionals.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Recovery Timeline

Every recovery is different depending on a patient’s condition and willingness to participate in post-operative care. The following recovery timeline is based on a typical recovery process, but it may not reflect yours exactly. This is a guideline meant to help total shoulder replacement surgery patients understand what to expect. Always ask your doctor or surgeon if any questions arise. An average recovery timeline is as follows:

• Preparing for shoulder replacement surgery: certain steps need to be taken before the operation begins. This may include scheduling blood work or other tests, arranging a ride home from the hospital, taking time off of work, and bringing a change of comfortable clothing. For shoulder surgery, avoid clothing that will be difficult to maneuver with a postoperative shoulder. Many doctors suggest clothing with buttons or zippers instead of pullovers. It may be necessary to stop eating and drinking for a certain period of time before the operation. Many patients take this time to ensure that their home is accessible by placing objects within arm’s reach, installing a shower chair, and preparing their wardrobe, for example.
• The procedure: total shoulder replacement surgery involves removing the damaged ends of the shoulder blade and arm bone. Prosthetic joint components are then placed into the bone using a type of cement. These prosthetics are made of metal and plastics and intend to serve the same function as a healthy joint. The shoulder is tested for mobility before the incision is closed. An anesthesiologist will be present to apply general anesthesia, and possibly local anesthesia to help with pain in the hours after surgery. The biggest risks of anesthesia are stroke, blood clots, and pneumonia.
• 2 hours after surgery: the first couple hours after surgery are spent in a recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. Once the patient is awake, they will be moved to their hospital room to continue recovery. The hand and arm may not have any feeling, but if it is possible to move them, it is recommended to do so.
• 1-2 days after surgery: patients will likely spend the first couple of days after surgery in their hospital room. The arm is placed in a sling. Many medical professionals will be involved in this process, including nurses, doctors, and caseworkers. Physical therapists will begin to show the patient exercises that they can do to maintain joint strength and stability as much as possible. Some patients can move their arm within the first day, others may take several days to begin movement.
• 1 week after surgery: physical therapy should begin as soon as the patient can participate. Physical therapists will work with patients to ensure that they are doing exercises properly so that they can do them at home. Exercising during this time may be difficult and painful, but it is a crucial part of the recovery process. Working out the shoulder muscles prevents stiffness and improves strength and mobility. Patients should ensure that there is a trusted person in their home to assist with daily tasks. The incision must stay dry during this time.
• 2-4 weeks after surgery: patients will begin to observe progress at this time. Pain and swelling should be slightly reduced. The wound, if closed, can begin to get wet again – it is important to monitor the incision for signs of infection, such as pus, bleeding, and redness. Physical therapy continues at this time.
• 6 weeks after surgery: patients at this time will observe increased mobility and minimal pain when resting. With a doctor’s permission, some patients begin to drive again at this time. It is not advisable to lift heavy objects, but physical therapists can guide a patient through what they are and are not capable of.
• 3 months after surgery: a follow-up with the surgeon at this time can provide patients with information about how they are healing. By the third month, most patients observe significant improvement in mobility.
• 1 year after surgery: with the continued guidance of medical professionals, most patients can return to their life as it was before the operation.

Factors that may impact the recovery timeline include age, obesity, diabetes, and smoking status. Though these factors can slow down the recovery process, it is still entirely possible – and even likely – that patients with these conditions make a full recovery.

Recovering from surgery can seem like a daunting task. It requires hard work and dedication as well as physical pain. The field of regenerative medicine offers hope for those who are considering surgery and those who have already undergone surgery alike.

The Role of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Based Therapies in Total Shoulder Replacement

The practice of regenerative orthopedic medicine has gained traction recently as a means of treating injuries and arthritis as well as preventing future injuries from occurring. The concept of these treatments is to take a patient’s own cells which contain healing properties, concentrate them, and transplant  them back into the hip causing pain. At CELLAXYS, we focus on procedures using your own body’s natural healing cells. The two most popular and requested procedures are:

• Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: Stem  cells are the building blocks of the body.   Stem cells, specifically “MSCs,” are obtained from two tissues in the body for procedural purposes, fat and bone marrow. These tissues are harvested and then concentrated in order to prepare them for transplantation.  The concentrated tissues and stem cells are then transplanted under live X-Ray in order to improve pain and function. These procedures typically have long lasting effects on your pain.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: platelets are cells that the body uses to form blood clots and heal damage. They are the ‘first line of defense’ in most injuries in the body. There have 10 different  growth factors and proteins  that  ‘call out’ to other cells and send them to the troubling location as well as creating a potent anti-inflammatory response. The anti-inflammatory response is created by a protien called “Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist.”

Both procedures begin with taking a sample of the cells or blood. As mentioned above, autologous stem cells are extracted from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue. The cells are then concentrated and activated, then returned to the patient in the form of an image guided transplant. Our Fellowship Trained physicians have performed thousands of procedures ensuring your optimal outcome.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplants are performed under anesthesia in order for your comfort and fast recovery. These procedures typically take about 2 hours to complete.

PRP therapy begins with a simple blood draw. The blood sample is then placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other components in the blood. Once the platelets are more concentrated, they are transplanted into the problem area. Similar to stem cell therapy, doctors use imaging technology to determine the location of the injection.

These both are outpatient procedures.

Results may become apparent in a matter of days and sometimes as quickly as a couple of hours. Treatments sometimes involve more than one injection over time – this will be determined during a preliminary medical evaluation.