TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT/ PARTIAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT The primary indication for a Total Shoulder Arthroplasty or Hemiarthroplasty is Inability to reconstruct the fracture. A repairable rotator cuff is a pre-requisite for this type of surgery. Replacement of the humeral head along with the glenoid surface constitutes Total Shoulder Arthroplasty whereas replacement of only the humeral head constitutes Hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder joint. Supporting indications • Poor bone quality • Humeral head ischemia in the elderly patient • Intraoperative failure of osteosynthesis • Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint ( Though reverse shoulder replacement is a preferred procedure) Advantages • Provides a replacement for unreconstructable humeral head • If failure of fixation and/or avascular necrosis (AVN) are highly likely, primary arthroplasty may avoid a second surgery Introduction Arthroplasty is indicated in all cases where a stable fixation is not achievable especially in situations with poor bone quality like severe osteoporosis. In the elderly, the indication might be extended to head-splitting fractures and situations with a probably ischemic humeral head (e.g., a displaced anatomical neck fracture with no capsular attachment remaining). PRE-OPERATIVE STEPS Every effort is made to assess the patient prior to surgery in order to ensure safety of the patient for the elective procedure. 1. After admission, routine blood work-up will be done prior to surgery. Depending on the age of the patient and other premorbid conditions, other investigations such as Echocardiography may be performed in elderly patients. 2. All the investigations prior to surgery are performed in order to ensure that the surgical procedure can be safely tolerated by the patient, since shoulder arthroscopy is an elective procedure. If any risk is involved, the patient/ attendants will be informed so. 3. Blood transfusion though rarely required, may be done depending on the reports. 4. X-rays and MRI will be done ideally in order to guide the surgical plan and the prognosis. 5. Surgical consent will be explained to the patient detailing the procedure as well as the risks involved, if any. INTRA-OPERATIVE STEPS 1. This procedure is performed with the patient in a beach chair position. 2. For this procedure the deltopectoral approach is normally used. 3. It is crucial to evaluate the fracture. Identify the fracture lines, the long head of the biceps and the condition of the rotator cuff. 4. Sutures are inserted into the subscapularis tendon and the supraspinatus tendon just superficial to the tendon’s bony insertions. These provide anchors for reduction, and temporary fixation of the greater and lesser tuberosities. 5. The biceps tendon is temporarily attached to the superior border of the pectoralis muscle. A tenotomy of the long head of the bicipital tendon close to the rotator interval is performed. 6. Any remaining medial capsular attachment to the head should be carefully released with special attention not to damage the axillary nerve medial to the proximal humerus. 7. Insert a suture into the infraspinatus tendon. 8. The correct prosthesis head size can be measured on the retrieved humeral head. 9. In general, the reattachment of the tuberosities can be performed with sutures or cables. 10. Preparation of the humeral shaft is performed after opening the medullary canal and gently enlarging the humeral canal with rasps of increasing sizes. 11. Determine humeral head retroversion 12. Preparation of the Glenoid is performed and an appropriate sized trial is used to see the alignment. 13. Implantation of the prosthesis is performed, respecting the proper insertion height and the retroversion. 14. Depending on the prosthesis type and the remaining bony situation, bone cement may be necessary to fix the implant. Certainly it is wise to use cement if the prosthesis does not fit securely in the humerus. 15. Once the prosthesis is inserted, stability of the shoulder joint is assessed. After stability assessment, wound wash is given followed by wound closure and dressings. POST OPERATIVE PHASE Care after surgery: • Wear your sling or brace at all times for as long as directed. This helps to remind you not to use the arm. It also allows your shoulder to heal and decreases pain. • Apply ice on your shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. • Place a small pillow or towel behind your elbow when you lie on your back. This keeps your shoulder in proper position. You may need to sleep in an upright position if you cannot sleep on your back. Place 2 to 3 pillows lengthwise behind your back when in bed. Make sure the pillows do not move your shoulder forward. Instead, you can sleep in a reclining chair. • Avoid moving your shoulder. Do not stretch or shrug your shoulder. Do not do exercises on your own until your healthcare provider says it is okay. • Do not lift with your hand on your surgery side. You put pressure on your shoulder muscles when you lift. • Do not lean on the hand of your surgery side. Pressure will cause pain and may cause damage to your shoulder. • Do not drive until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Shoulder bandage care: Keep your dressing clean and dry. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to take a bath or shower. Once you are able, let soap and water run over your surgery area. Do not scrub the area. Pat the area dry and put on a clean bandage as directed. Pain Management • Some amount of pain is expected after the surgical procedure. • Ice packs can be used for pain reduction • Paracetamol or Nsaids can be considered for pain management especially during the first four weeks. Shoulder rehabilitation protocol The shoulder is perhaps the most challenging joint to rehabilitate both postoperatively and after conservative treatment. Early passive motion according to pain tolerance can usually be started after the first postoperative day. The program of rehabilitation has to be adjusted to the ability and expectations of the patient and the quality and stability of the repair. The full exercise program progresses to protected active and then self-assisted exercises. The stretching and strengthening phases follow. The ultimate goal is to regain strength and full function. Activities of daily living (ADL) can generally be resumed while avoiding certain stresses on the shoulder. Mild pain and some restriction of movement should not interfere with this. The more severe the initial displacement of a fracture, and the older the patient, the greater will be the likelihood of some residual loss of motion. Generally, shoulder rehabilitation protocols can be divided into three phases. Gentle range of motion can often begin early without stressing fixation or soft-tissue repair. Gentle assisted motion can frequently begin within a few weeks, the exact time and restriction depends on the injury and the patient. Resistance exercises to build strength and endurance should be delayed until bone and soft-tissue healing is secure. The schedule may need to be adjusted for each patient. Phase 1 (approximately first 6 weeks) Bandage • Immobilization on a shoulder abduction pillow in neutral position of rotation Range of motion • Passive motion within the pain free interval for abduction, adduction and flexion • No internal or external rotation • Shoulder joint motion up to 90° • ADL for eating and writing allowed Physiotherapy • Passive motion up to 90° • Relaxation/stretching of neck muscles • Training of elbow and hand functions • Specific stabilization therapy for the shoulder joint • Isometric exercises in all directions • CPM up to 90° of abduction Massage • Neck • Shoulder girdle • Thoracic spine Training therapy • Training of the contralateral arm (overflow cardiovascular training) Phase 2 (approximately week 7-11) Bandage • No longer required Range of motion • Assisted/active motion within the pain free interval, also beyond 90° • Careful rotation Physiotherapy • Free motion of shoulder girdle (scapula, clavicle, cervicothoracic junction, cervical and thoracic spine) with specific mobilization • Strengthening exercises especially for ADL • Eccentric muscle activity Massage • As required Ice/warmth • As required Training therapy • Mobilization bath, wound permitting • Training of hand and forearm muscles • Set for shoulder therapy Phase 3 (after week 11) Range of motion • No restrictions on Shoulder movement • Muscle growth for shoulder girdle and all arm muscles Physiotherapy • All physiotherapeutic techniques allowed, active and against resistance • Increasing eccentric muscle activity Training therapy • Handcycling • Training for specific ADL and sports • Machine training • Free weight training