Shoulder endoprosthesis - Indications, surgery & rehabilitation
The reason for fitting a shoulder prosthesis is advanced arthrosis and the associated pain and limited mobility.
Shoulder prosthesis
(joint replacement, artificial shoulder joint, shoulder endoprosthesis) and shoulder prosthesis replacement
The artificial shoulder joint is recommended when the severely damaged joint surfaces of the shoulder are irreparable and cannot be treated conservatively. For the treatment of painful shoulder arthrosis, an artificial shoulder joint (hemi- or total prosthesis) is an optimal option for regaining good shoulder function for everyday life.
Consultation hour for artificial shoulder joint
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Shoulder prosthesis
With the shoulder prosthesis, an artificial joint ball made of metal is attached to the humerus via a prosthesis shaft with bone cement. Patients with severe shoulder arthrosis benefit from this operation, which restores the functionality of the shoulder and thus significantly improves the quality of life.
The most important reason for fitting a shoulder prosthesis is the advanced stage of arthrosis and the associated pain (pain at night and at rest). The mobility of the shoulder after the operation depends on the condition of the muscles (shoulder and upper arm).
The insertion of a shoulder prosthesis is an extensive operation and is discussed by experienced shoulder orthopaedic surgeons when joint-preserving therapy is out of the question for technical or age-related reasons and all previous conservative (physiotherapy, etc.) and minimally invasive measures (joint irrigation, etc.) have been exhausted.
The average durability of a shoulder prosthesis is 12-15 years. In case of loosening, improper fitting or infection, shoulder prostheses must be replaced by a prosthesis change.
Causes and symptoms of a shoulder prosthesis
Arthrosis and age-related wear of the cartilage surfaces in the shoulder joint is the most common cause of joint replacement. Arthrosis can develop as a degenerative consequence of a shoulder injury.
An important prerequisite for the Schluter prosthesis is that all previous therapeutic (non-surgical) and surgical measures have been exhausted and are no longer effective.
If a shoulder prosthesis becomes loose (life expectancy 12-15 years) or becomes infected, it must be replaced by a prosthesis change.
Clarification and treatment
The installation of a shoulder prosthesis becomes an issue when all conservative (physiotherapy, medication, etc.) and minimally invasive measures (joint irrigation, etc.) no longer have any effect.
For the diagnosis a thorough examination of the shoulder and questioning of the patient is carried out. In addition, x-rays and computer tomography (CT) are used to analyse the situation of the shoulder complaints and to discuss and plan in detail the optimum solution together with the patient.
Conservative and surgical shoulder therapies
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Sport accident shoulder
A Sport accident to the shoulder often occurs during contact sports or due to falls. This can lead to bruising, strains, tendon tears or even shoulder dislocation.
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Conservative shoulder therapy
Conservative shoulder therapy includes non-surgical treatment methods to relieve pain and restore mobility and function of the shoulder.
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Shoulder tendon injury (rotator cuff)
An injury to these tendons - whether due to overloading, wear and tear or an accident - can lead to pain, restricted movement and loss of strength.
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Shoulder instability (luxation)
Instability refers to excessive mobility of the shoulder joint in which the humeral head slips partially or completely out of the glenoid socket - a process known as dislocation.
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Shoulder arthrosis (omarthrosis)
Omarthrosis is a wear and tear of the shoulder joint. The cartilage between the head of the humerus and the shoulder socket becomes increasingly worn, which can lead to pain, restricted movement and inflammation.
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Shoulder prosthesis (artificial shoulder joint)
A shoulder prosthesis is an artificial joint replacement that is used in cases of severe damage or wear to the shoulder joint - often due to osteoarthritis, accidents or rheumatic diseases.