Shoulder arthroplasty—commonly known as shoulder replacement surgery—is a remedial surgery for people suffering from shoulder pain mainly because of arthritis. The continuous shoulder pain can restrict an individual from performing normal acts, making it next to impossible to avoid this replacement surgery.

The shoulder itself is a bit of a complex marvel, consisting of two main joints: the acromioclavicular joint (where the shoulder and collarbone meet) and the glenohumeral joint (the classic “ball and socket” arrangement). Add to this a web of tendons and muscles that keep the bones in place, and you’ve got a lot of moving parts—all of which can be susceptible to injury or degeneration. Sometimes, when any of these parts give out, surgical intervention becomes necessary, up to and including the replacement of damaged sections with prosthetic components.

The patients endure several permanent restrictions after shoulder replacement which makes it inevitable to perform many jobs. A shoulder replacement is needed when the muscles in the shoulder start to writhe and not much mass is left for the socket and ball movement to work without friction; causing discomfort and at times excruciating pain to the suffering individual.

Shoulder replacement surgery itself comes in several forms. The most common is total shoulder replacement, where both the ball and socket portions of the joint are replaced. There’s also partial shoulder replacement, which involves swapping out just the head of the humerus (that’s your upper arm bone, for those keeping score).

A reverse shoulder replacement surgery has been developed by medical experts which is less complex than traditional arthroplasty and more people can benefit from it. The reverse shoulder replacement surgery—reverses the socket and ball movement in the shoulder by changing their places. This newer design stabilizes the shoulder joints of the patient back to functionality without any extra aid needed such as a rotator cuff. This approach is often chosen for people who have irreparable rotator cuff tears, since it allows the deltoid muscle to step in and do the heavy lifting—literally—when the rotator cuff can’t.

The artificial joint inside placed with the humeral head makes the shoulder movement more stable when the arm is raised by preventing the ball from sliding out of its position. As the compressive forces grow; the deltoid muscle in the shoulder comes to the rescue and lets the shoulder lift the arm with ease without any sign of prior pain.

In summary, whether it’s a classic total replacement, a partial, or the modern reverse shoulder replacement, these procedures are all about getting you back to life with less pain and more movement—even if it means giving your deltoid muscle a bit more of the spotlight.

 

Source: healthline.com

The result is that the shoulder performs better and longer, plus it becomes less painful.

The above-mentioned attributes are the good things about reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Unfortunately, there are many permanent restrictions after shoulder replacement surgery. These permanent restrictions are for the patient’s benefit; to avoid three major health problems connected to the shoulder replacement surgery.

The three major and common problems attached the shoulder replacement surgery are:

• The fractured bone around the implant
• Hematoma (trapping of fluid or blood around the joint)
• Neurological injury

These above-mentioned health problems may be accompanied by dislocation, infection, failure of the baseplate, or a fracture of the shoulder blade under different circumstances

Doctors and health practitioners instruct a list of permanent restrictions after shoulder replacement surgery to avoid these medical problems which may become fatal in special cases.

source:orthopedicsnh.com

The Fractured Bone around the Implant

Fracturing a bone around the implant is also known as a periprosthetic fracture (PF). These fractures occur if the patient is too old or has very weak or brittle bones. At times this fracture can occur while the surgery is being performed.

Hematoma (Trapping of Fluid or Blood around the Joint)

This is a very common health complication after the surgery of shoulder replacement. It can be caused by various reasons. The surgeons make sure that this fluid accumulation is avoided which can lead to infection. For the implant to work properly after the placement, it is necessary to have the area around the empty joint also known as dead spaces.

At times, the patient might develop a deep pathway of blood and fluid drainage known as sinus tracts; which starts from the incision site. This can also cause a hematoma. The blood infection and hematoma are co-linked and can be fatal if left untreated.

Almost 10 percent of reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients are at risk of serious blood infection along with hematoma

 The risk factor increases if the history of the patient shows multiple surgeries or the reverse implant had been done before as well, there is a large dead space around the joint making it harder for the medical experts to keep it fluid-free, and a poor sterile technique.

The antibiotics are administered to the patient before the surgery begins to cement any after-surgery medical complications. Still, if the antibiotics fail, and the patient develops an infection, then antibiotics are instructed to fight the bacteria. The surgeon washes and rinses the joint thoroughly with saline water while scraping away any visible bacteria from the surgery spot. This process is known as debridement and irrigation.

Neurological Injury

Neurological injury– in simpler terms means pulling or contracting the nerves of the arm by a sudden movement that caused a sensation loss in the arm, fingers, or hand. The reverse shoulder surgery put an extensive strain on the arm nerves, which causes this injury; also known as brachial plexus.

source:physio-pedia.com

Neurological injury can also be caused if the nerve plexus loses the motor or sensory function of the arm. This can be used by scar tissue anywhere in the arm causing loss of sensation.

Suitable Jobs After Shoulder Replacement Surgery

After shoulder replacement surgery, many individuals are able to return to the workforce, though the type of work makes a significant difference in the recovery process. Sedentary jobs — particularly those that do not require reaching overhead, repetitive lifting, or strenuous physical effort — are generally most appropriate for people during recovery and beyond.

Examples of suitable roles include administrative positions, office work, desk jobs, or any occupation where arm movement is minimal and loads are light. Jobs that can be performed while seated, such as computer work, writing, or customer service roles, allow the healing shoulder to remain protected without risking unnecessary strain or movement. In contrast, physically demanding jobs or those requiring heavy lifting should be avoided or approached with caution, depending on your surgeon’s advice and your specific progress in physical therapy.

Permanent Restrictions after Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The patients are advised to maintain a lifestyle where they do not put the implant under unnecessary strain. They are asked to avoid lifting weights or doing strenuous chores to keep the implant intact.

Any kind of muscular tension around the shoulder can result in dislocation of the shoulder joint. Once the shoulder is dislocated, the only remedy is to have another revision surgery; which is a lengthy and painful process.

Patients are advised to restrict their arm and shoulder movement such as added excursion, adduction, or any kind of supplementary internal rotation of the socket post-surgery until the surgery spot is completely healed.

The patients are restricted to scratch their back as this might dislocate their shoulder implant. Taking an arm to the back means putting pressure on the shoulder; while the arm is in an extended position causing an inner rotation of the joint.

One of the complications that occur due to malfunctioning of the implant used for the shoulder relocation is baseplate failure. This is a major problem when the round component attached to the socket does not let the patients’ bones grow to get accustomed to the added equipment inside the body. If the baseplate failure occurs, the shoulder joint will not be able to move at all.

The manufacturers of the implants are working rigorously to eradicate this failure. They have come up with a temporary solution of providing locking screws that enables the surgeons to angle the socket into denser and deeper bones of the shoulder. These locking screws help the humeral prosthesis to stay intact in the right place. Some of the other remedial solutions for baseplate failure are the usage of thick screws and the usage of more converse and tilted baseplates.

Why Seeking Legal Advice Matters After Shoulder Replacement Surgery

If you’re dealing with lasting restrictions or complications after shoulder replacement surgery, connecting with a legal professional is an important next step. Navigating the process of obtaining compensation can be overwhelming—especially when you’re focused on recovery. Experienced personal injury attorneys, such as those at firms like Morgan & Morgan or Slater & Gordon, are familiar with these cases and can help you clearly understand your rights and options.

Most reputable law firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay out of pocket for their services. Instead, they only receive a fee if your case is successful and you receive compensation. This ensures that legal support is accessible, and there’s no financial risk in seeking the help you deserve. With a skilled legal team, you’ll have guidance through paperwork, negotiations, and communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on regaining your quality of life.

Permanent restrictions after shoulder surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery can be life-changing, restoring mobility and relieving pain. But it’s important to know that it may also introduce some permanent restrictions that require ongoing adaptations. The journey doesn’t end in the operating room; it’s really the start of a new chapter—one that requires resilience, flexibility, and a little bit of patience as you learn what your new shoulder can and can’t do.

Permanent restrictions after shoulder surgery

1. For the first six weeks after surgery, don’t drive

Because you won’t have a full range of motion or sufficient strength in your shoulder for the first six weeks, joint specialists advise against driving. You may also be on severe pain killers at this time, which will impair your judgment and reaction times. Most patients begin to regain shoulder movement within six weeks, and this is generally when you can safely resume driving. Around this same time, you’ll likely be cleared to return to work and gradually increase your physical activity to start rebuilding strength in your shoulder.

2. Limit how much weight you can lift with that arm

For the first few weeks, your surgeon will probably advise you to lift no more than the weight of a coffee cup. Your shoulder will get stronger and more functional as you go through physical therapy, and your physical therapist will let you know what your weight-lifting restrictions are as you improve.

3. Don’t overuse your shoulder

For the first several weeks after surgery, you will be advised not to lift your arm or reach too far. This may put undue strain on your new joint. You’ll want to gradually increase your shoulder’s strength and flexibility, and your medical and therapy teams will show you how to do so safely.

4. Don’t lean on the affected shoulder

When you lean forward to use your arm on a tabletop or a desktop, make sure the other arm is simply supporting your body weight. You should also get out of bed using the other arm (the one that wasn’t operated on).

Understanding ongoing adaptations and your rights

While these restrictions are key for a smooth recovery, it’s just as important to think about the bigger picture—especially if you’re hoping to return to work after surgery. According to studies by the National Library of Medicine, around 40 percent of patients who were working before their shoulder replacement surgery returned to their jobs after a recovery period. Notably, those with sedentary jobs—think desk work where you don’t have to reach overhead or lift anything heavier than a stapler—were the most likely to get back to work smoothly.

If your job requires more physical effort, you may face permanent restrictions that change your daily routine. For some, this means shifting to new roles or even changing careers to avoid movements that could jeopardize the success of the new joint. A small percentage of people choose to retire after surgery, but for most, adapting their work life is enough to keep their shoulder—and their livelihood—in good shape.

So, whether you’re itching to return to the office or contemplating a new gig that’s easier on your shoulder, remember: recovery doesn’t just happen in the physical therapy room. It’s a team effort between you, your doctor, your therapist, and sometimes, your boss.

What are the limitations after reverse shoulder replacement?

AFTER THE OPERATING ROOM

Following surgery, you will be placed in a sling. This should be worn for the first four weeks. Dressing, bathing, and exercising should all be done without the sling. When eating, grooming, or engaging in tabletop activities, it should be removed. Make sure the weight in your hand isn’t more than 2 pounds. The shoulder dressing can be removed two days following surgery. If you’re experiencing drainage, try switching to a new dressing.

The majority of people will spend 1-2 days in the hospital after their surgery. This may differ depending on your unique circumstances. Some patients may be able to go home the same day as their operation.

Showering without covering the wound is safe three days after surgery.
Although the incision can become wet, it should not be immersed for at least two weeks after surgery.

Moving forward

Your post-surgical journey is about embracing your new normal, adapting to any permanent restrictions, and continuing to work with your medical team to get the best results possible. The goal is not just healing, but also building resilience and finding ways to live life fully—even if it means doing things a little differently than before.