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.

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.