After shoulder replacement surgery, there are some restrictions that you should follow to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. According to joint specialists, for the first six weeks after surgery, you should avoid driving because you won’t have a full range of motion or sufficient strength in your shoulder1. After surgery, you shouldn’t drive for at least 12 weeks2. The range of motion is limited following shoulder surgery. Long-term activity restrictions after shoulder arthroplasty should be based on the type of arthroplasty performed and patients’ preoperative experience.
What is shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure done to relieve pain and other symptoms that result from damage to the shoulder joint. The procedure involves removing damaged parts of the shoulder and replacing them with artificial components1. It is done to treat conditions that can damage the joint such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis. Total shoulder replacement helps restore the function and mobility of the shoulder joint while also reducing pain.
What are the risks of shoulder replacement surgery?
Like any surgery, shoulder replacement surgery has risks. Potential complications of shoulder replacement surgery include dislocation, fracture, implant loosening, nerve injury, infection, and bleeding1. Any major surgery involving general anesthesia has a low risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other complications2. Rates of serious adverse events were calculated at 30 and 90 days after surgery and included major blood clots, heart attack, infections, stroke and death.
How long does it take to recover from shoulder replacement surgery?
Most patients stay in the hospital 1 to 3 days after shoulder replacement surgery1. Full recovery from shoulder replacement can take 4 to 6 months or longer. During this time, you will need to follow a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy exercises to help you regain strength and mobility in your shoulder.
What are some exercises I can do after shoulder replacement surgery?
An exercise program after total shoulder replacement may include passive exercise and active exercise12. Passive exercise relies on assistance and support of your physical therapist or a specific machine to move your arm gently starting a few weeks after surgery. Active exercise moves your shoulder and arm by using your muscles beginning up to three months following your surgery3.
Some exercises that may be included in your rehabilitation program are pendulums, range of motion wand exercises, self range of motion with a cane, and back exercises.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. This results in painful joints, swelling and stiffness in the joints1. The exact cause is unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues of the joint1.
The triggering factors are unknown and could be for many reasons which include age (affects adults > 40 years), obesity increases risk of developing arthritis, family history of rheumatoid arthritis increases risk, cigarette smoking1.
Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications and in severe cases, surgery1. Medications include DMARDs – Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids, Biologics1. Surgery includes Synovectomy to remove affected synovium, Tendon repair surgery to repair damaged tendon and Joint replacement surgery replacing joint with prosthesis.
How can I prevent rheumatoid arthritis?
There is no known way of preventing rheumatoid arthritis. However, one can avoid the risk factors such as:
Avoid smoking
Weight management through exercise and proper diet.
What are some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Painful joints
Swelling and stiffness in the joints
Fatigue
Fever
Weight loss
Joint deformity.
What are some treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications and in severe cases, surgery. Medications include DMARDs – Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids, Biologics. Surgery includes Synovectomy to remove affected synovium, Tendon repair surgery to repair damaged tendon and Joint replacement surgery replacing joint with prosthesis.
What are some complications of rheumatoid arthritis?
Some of the complications of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Osteoporosis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Lung disease
Heart problems
Lymphoma.