Patient Education Guide for Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Patient Education Guide for Shoulder Replacement Surgery

by | Jul 17, 2025 | Health

PATIENT EDUCATION GUIDE FOR SURGERY

Here is a comprehensive guide to shoulder replacement surgery, covering types, indications, preparation, procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation:

What is Shoulder Replacement?

Shoulder replacement, or shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components (prosthesIs). It’s commonly performed to relieve pain and restore function in shoulder affected by arthritis, , or irreparable/severe rotator cuff tears.

Indications for Shoulder Replacement

Types of Shoulder Replacement

Type

Description

Uses
(Anatomic TSA) Both humeral head and glenoid are replaced Arthritis
Reverse Shoulder Replacement (RSA) Ball and socket positions are reversed Arthritis/Massive rotator cuff tears/fractures
(Hemiarthroplasty) Humeral head is replaced Fractures or limited joint damage
Capping of the joint surface Young, active patients with minimal bone loss

Preoperative Preparation

  •  Blood tests, X-rays, MRI/CT scans
  • XRAYS AND MRI SCANS (CT SCAN may also be required)
  • Medication review (stop blood thinners if advised)
  • Pre-anesthesia checkup
  • Stop smoking and alcohol
  • Plan home modifications for recovery
  • PRE-HAB physiotherapy
  • Discuss goals and expectations with surgeon and physiotherapist

Surgical Procedure (General Overview) 

1. Anesthesia: General with intubation
2. Incision: Usually through the front of the shoulder (roughly 10cm)
3. Removal of damaged bone/cartilage
4. Placement of prosthetic components
5. Closure and dressing

Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Hospital stay: 1–2 days

Immediate

  • Arm mobilization started same day after surgery (in our practice.
  •  Stairs climbing 2nd day onwards
  • Discharge 2nd day
  • Antibiotics for 5 days
  • Can resume office work by 5-7th day
  • Start gentle passive physiotherapy (as per surgeon’s protocol) from day 1-2
  • Pain management (oral and IV meds) for 7-10 days
  • Stitches removal after 14 days
  • Full range of movement started from day 1
  • Monitor for infection, blood clots, nerve injury

    Recovery Timeline

    Timeframe Milestones
    Week 1-2 Pain control, wound care, active assisted ROM ex
    Week 2-6  Gentle assisted ROM exercises, active movementstarted
    Week 6-12

     Start active ROM, mild resistance training
    3-6 months Strength training, return to daily activities
    >6 months Early return to activities/sports

    Physical Therapy Goals

    • Regain
    • Strengthen rotator cuff and deltoid
    • Improve posture and joint protection
    • Resume daily and recreational activities safely

    Life After Shoulder Replacement

    • Most patients achieve significant pain relief and functional improvement
    • Activities like swimming, golfing, and light tennis are often possible
    • Avoid high-impact sports or heavy lifting permanently
    • Regular follow-ups to monitor implant integrity
    • Expected ROM shoulder – FF/135, AB/120, ER/IR/45 roughly.

     

    NOTE : These are rough guidelines, we have developed in our practice, over the years. Most of them are rough estimates, there may be variation in relation to complexity of case or as decided by your surgeon.

    Consult Dr. Chirag Arora, best in Gurgaon, for expert advice!

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