Schulterendoprothesen

Schulterendoprothesen, often referred to as shoulder replacement surgery, involve the surgical implantation of artificial components to replace damaged or diseased parts of the shoulder joint. This procedure is primarily performed to alleviate pain and restore function in individuals suffering from severe arthritis, complex fractures, or irreparable rotator cuff tears.

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, and the prosthesis typically consists of a metallic ball that replaces the humeral head (the top of the upper arm bone) and a plastic or metallic socket that replaces the glenoid (the shallow socket in the shoulder blade). There are different types of shoulder prostheses, including total shoulder arthroplasty (where both the ball and socket are replaced) and hemiarthroplasty (where only the humeral head is replaced). In cases of severe rotator cuff deficiency, a reverse shoulder prosthesis may be used, which reverses the positions of the ball and socket to utilize different muscles for movement.

The decision to undergo shoulder replacement surgery is usually made after conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections, have failed to provide adequate relief. The surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia. Post-operative recovery involves a period of immobilization followed by intensive physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and function. While the surgery can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility, it is important to understand that the artificial joint may not replicate the full function of a natural shoulder. Complications, though uncommon, can include infection, blood clots, implant loosening, or nerve damage.