Total Shoulder Replacement
synonyms: shoulder replacement, total shoulder replacement
Total houlder arthroplasty is indicated for patients with shoulder pain from an incongruous joint associated with end-stage shoulder arthritis that has failed non-operative management. Shoulder arthritis may be caused by osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, capsulorraphy arthropathy, dislocation arthropathy, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Alternatives to total shoulder arthroplasty include not having surgery. Most patients with shoulder arthritis respond well to arthritis medications, activity modifications, and an occasional steriod injection into the shoulder joint. Patients who fail to improve with non-operative measures can consider arthroscopic debridement of the shoulder joint, shoulder fusion, interpositional arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty. All of these surgical procedures have benefits for specific patients, however total shoulder replacement has the most consistent outcomes for the majority of patients. Dr. Grutter is experienced in all available treatment options and will help you determine which option is best for you. If you have questions about these alternative options discuss them with your surgeon.
As with all surgeries, there are potential complications to total shoulder arthroplasty. Potential complications include but are not limited to: Instability / soft tissue imbalance, Rotator cuff tear, Ectopic ossification, Glenoid loosening, Peri-Prosthetic fracture, Nerve injury, infection, Humeral loosening, Long-head of biceps rupture, pulmonary embolism and risk of anesthesia including heart attack, stroke and death.
After surgery patients generally stay in the hospital 1 to 2 days. Patients are in a shoulder immobilizer or shoulder sling for the first 4-8 weeks after surgery. Most patients require physical therapy for 6 weeks after surgery with a home based therapy program after. Patients generally can drive 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Patients can return to activities such as golf at 3 months after surgery. For golf patients may hit off a tee at 3 months if motor function has been restored. There is no hitting off the ground or farway until 6 months post-operatively.
The components used in shoulder replacement are metallic and can activate airport security gates. 52% of patients travelling domestically will activate security gates in airports. 42% traveling internationally.
Overall greater than 90% of patients are satisfied with the outcomes of surgery and more than 90% of patients have greater than 10 year implant survival.
Dr. Grutter's offices are located just outside Nashville in Gallatin, Tennessee. Directions to the Gallatin office from Nashville or surrounding areas in Tennessee can be located here. 
Please contact our office if you are from outside the Nashville, Tennessee area and would like assistance in arranging lodging or transportation for a consultation.