Schultertotalendoprothese

Schultertotalendoprothese, also known as a total shoulder replacement, is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged or diseased parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint composed of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). This procedure is typically performed to relieve pain and restore function in individuals suffering from severe arthritis, significant joint damage due to injury, or advanced rotator cuff tears.

The surgery involves replacing the head of the humerus with a metal ball and the glenoid (socket) of the scapula with a plastic cup. There are different types of shoulder replacement, including conventional total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Conventional replacement mimics the natural anatomy of the shoulder, while reverse replacement flips the ball and socket components. Reverse replacement is often recommended for patients with significant rotator cuff deficiency, as it uses the deltoid muscle for movement instead of the damaged rotator cuff muscles.

The decision to undergo a shoulder replacement is usually made after conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, pain medication, and injections, have failed to provide relief. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Post-surgery, patients typically require a period of rehabilitation, including physical therapy, to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder. Recovery times vary, but most patients experience significant pain reduction and improved function. Potential risks include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and implant loosening.