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Common Questions About Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement has allowed millions of people to return to more active lifestyles.

Shoulder replacement surgery is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your surgeon will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Here are some common questions and resources that may be helpful when considering shoulder surgery.

Exactech Knee Replacement FAQ Doctor talking with patient

Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Some implants have lasted 15 to 20 years. But just like your natural joint, your new parts can wear out over time. How long yours lasts could depend on:

  • Your age
  • Your weight
  • Your activity level
  • How your implant was made
  • What materials were used during your surgery

For the most success after surgery, you will need to keep up with physical therapy and exercise and follow all of your surgeon’s instructions. Physical therapy may start the same day as your surgery and last up to 4 to 6 months after your surgery. You will need to exercise. This helps your blood flow and makes your muscles stronger. This will help you move around better. You will learn exercises in physical therapy.

Shoulder replacement is a major surgery. Although it works very well in most cases, some patients may have problems. Some complications could include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Broken implant
  • Implant not positioned just right
  • Implant wears out faster than anticipated

To lower your risks for problems during surgery, your surgeon may ask you to get some tests ahead of time. You can likely get these from your primary care doctor. You also may need to have any dental problems fixed before surgery.

Each patient is different. Your surgeon will help you decide when it is safe for you to do certain things. But, most patients are able to get back to normal activities, like writing, in 3 to 4 weeks.

You can likely get back to other activities like golf, tennis, and swimming, after your surgeon says it is safe. Surgeons normally suggest you stay away from high-impact or contact sports. These put too much pressure on your joints and could cause problems

Resources for shoulder replacement surgery

With any surgery, there are potential risks, and results will vary depending on the patient. Joint replacement surgery is not for everyone. Check with your physician to determine if you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery. Your physician will consider the risks and benefits associated with this procedure, as well as individual factors such as the cause of your condition, your age, height, weight and activity level.

 

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical advice. This information is not intended to replace the expert guidance of your orthopaedic surgeon. Please direct any questions or concerns you may have to your orthopaedic surgeon. Decisions concerning patient care and treatment should be made solely by your physician(s). With any surgery, there are potential risks and results will vary depending on the patient.