What is Partial Shoulder Replacement?

In some cases, only the top of the arm bone is worn out, and your socket is still in good shape. In others, the bone in your socket is worn out and no longer strong enough to hold a new lining. In these cases, hemiarthroplasty may be the best option.

These procedures involve replacing an arthritic or damaged joint surface with a prosthetic implant. With this procedure, only the ball (head of the humerus) is replaced. Unlike a total shoulder replacement, which necessitates the removal of the bony part of the joint, a partial shoulder replacement does not require removal of the socket of the joint, and it leaves more tissue and tendons attached to your arm.

Today, partial shoulder replacements are commonly used in young patients with a smaller amount of damage. In a partial shoulder replacement

Who is eligible for Partial Shoulder Replacement?

You've experienced shoulder pain for more than 3 months and have found that rest doesn't help. You are unable to perform simple daily activities due to pain, have severe range of motion limitation, and have been treated by

Your doctor using anti-inflammatory drugs, injections or physical therapy without success.

Tests and Diagnosis for Partial Shoulder Replacement

As a precaution, your physician may recommend a full physical exam weeks before surgery. This will help assess your overall health and make sure you're proper for the procedure.

Taking certain medications and other drugs a certain time before and after the operation can cause intense bleeding. If this happens, you will be at risk of dying or bleeding out.

Surgical procedure Partial Shoulder Replacement

The surgery may be chosen in cases of avascular necrosis, a problem of bone death and cartilage collapse seen mainly on the bimetallic side, often in younger patients or middle-aged with healthy glenoid cartilage.

Partial Shoulder Replacement Post-operative precautions

The surgeon or other staff will provide patients with an exercise program to follow at home.

A recovery period of six weeks is required after the operation. Patients will be allowed to drive a car at two weeks and should not perform heavy labor until the operation is fully recovered.

Post-operative precautions include keeping the arm elevated on a pillow and ice packs applied to the surgical site.

The right choice of physical therapy can speed up the shoulder replacement recovery process.

A physical therapist will usually guide you through an exercise program about two to six weeks after your surgery.

What are the risks & complications?

Dislocation is possible during the recovery, as swelling decreases and activity increases.

There is a risk of fracture or breakage, especially from falling after surgery.

• Implant loosening.
• Rotator cuff failure.
• Numbness
• Infection and nerve damage
• Blood clots