Shoulder replacement | |
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ICD-9-CM | 81.80-81.81 |
MedlinePlus | 007387 |
Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the glenohumeral joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Such joint replacement surgery generally is conducted to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint damage. [1]
Shoulder replacement surgery is an option for treatment of severe arthritis of the shoulder joint. Arthritis is a condition that affects the cartilage of the joints. As the cartilage lining wears away, the protective lining between the bones is lost. When this happens, painful bone-on-bone arthritis develops. Severe shoulder arthritis is quite painful, and can cause restriction of motion. While this may be tolerated with some medications and lifestyle adjustments, there may come a time when surgical treatment is necessary.
Most shoulder replacements last longer than 10 years. A global study found that patients can expect large and long-lasting improvements in pain, strength, range of movement, and their ability to complete everyday tasks. [2] [3]
There are a few major approaches to access the shoulder joint. The first is the deltopectoral approach, which saves the deltoid, but requires the subscapularis to be cut. [4] The second is the transdeltoid approach, which provides a straight on approach at the glenoid. However, during this approach the deltoid is put at risk for potential damage. [4]
Until the 20th Century, shoulder injuries went largely untreated, with patients left immobilized and without use of their shoulders. A series of new methods and devices during the "implant revolution" allowed surgeons to stabilize, strengthen, and improve range of motion. [5] Shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty or glenohumeral arthroplasty, was pioneered by the French surgeon Jules Emile Péan in 1893. [6] His procedure consisted of physically smoothing the shoulder joint and implanting platinum and rubber materials. The next notable case in the evolution of shoulder replacement procedures was in 1955 when Charles Neer conducted the first hemiarthroplasty, essentially replacing only the humeral head, leaving the natural shoulder socket, or glenoid, intact. [6] This procedure grew exponentially in popularity as time progressed; however, patients often developed cartilage loss on their glenoid surface as well, leading to pain and glenoid erosion. This prompted the development of a procedure to replace not only the humeral component, but the glenoid component as well. [6]
Throughout the development of the procedures, it became well accepted that the rotator cuff muscles were essential to producing the best outcomes in terms of strength, range of motion, and a decrease in pain. In addition to this finding, physical constraints of the normal ball-and-socket anatomy of the shoulder limited most developments in one way or another. For example, a heavily constrained system limited range of motion, and the inherent anatomy of the glenoid proved difficult to cement prosthetics and fixate components without fracturing it. [6] These challenges and high rates of failure led to the development of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty to overcome the limitations imposed by the natural shoulder anatomy.[ citation needed ]
The 1970s saw an exponential increase in surgical approaches using this methodology, and the number and variation of surgical techniques are many. However, in 1985 Paul Grammont emerged with a superior technique that is the basis for most reverse shoulder replacement procedures today. [6] However, it is of note that the reverse shoulder replacement is primarily indicated in cases in which a patient has weak or torn rotator cuff muscles. In others, a conventional shoulder replacement may be indicated. Although Grammont continued to develop and refine his new technique to address minor complications that arose, it relied on 4 basic concepts that included the inherent stability and shape of the implant, as well as the placement of the implant relative to the natural glenohumeral joint. [6]
The progression to shoulder replacement usually begins with the development of pain with movement of the shoulder and stiffness which will be conservatively managed with activity modification, physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs. [7] [8] Additionally, intra-articular corticosteroid injections (injection into the joint space) are another popular, conservative option. [8] If all non-surgical, conservative treatment options fail and pain is affecting quality of life, then the shoulder replacement will likely be indicated. Various studies on shoulder replacements have confirmed this indication, noting specifically that severe glenohumeral arthritis as the cause. [9] [10]
The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) was developed in the 1980s as a treatment for rotator cuff tear arthropathy in the elderly. It has demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes and thus has become well-established as the treatment of choice for cuff tear arthropathy. National joint registries have reported 10-year survivorship for the diagnosis of rotator cuff arthropathy of 94.1%. Increasing surgeon experience with the reverse prosthesis has seen a decrease in complications and a change in the indications for surgery. An early expanded indication was primary osteoarthritis with loss of rotator cuff function. Massive irreparable rotator cuff tear without osteoarthritis has also been an accepted indication for a number of years, given numerous studies have reported good functional outcomes. Over the last 10 years the indications for RTSA have seen a huge expansion, including for patients with osteoarthritis and intact rotator cuff tendons. [11] Indications also include posterior glenoid deficiency, fracture, tumour and revision surgery. [12]
In traditional total shoulder arthroplasty the approach begins with separating the deltoid muscle from the pectoral muscles, facilitating access to the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint through a relatively nerve free passageway. The shoulder joint is initially covered by the rotator cuff muscles (subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus & teres minor) and the joint capsule (glenohumeral ligaments). Typically a single rotator cuff muscle is identified and cut to allow direct access to the shoulder joint. As this point, the surgeon can remove the arthritic portions of the joint and then secure the ball and socket prostheses within the joint. [13]
The development of safer, more effective techniques have led to the increased use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. [4] Reverse total shoulder arthroplasties are typically indicated when the rotator cuff muscles are severely damaged. [14] There are a few major approaches for reverse total shoulder arthroplasties. The first is the deltopectoral approach, which is the approach described above for the traditional total shoulder arthroplasty. This approach saves the deltoid, but requires the supraspinatus to be cut. [4] The second is the transdeltoid approach, which provides a straight on approach at the glenoid. However, during this approach the deltoid is put at risk for potential damage. [4] Both techniques are used, depending on the surgeon's preferences.
The latest systematic reviews suggests (with low quality evidence) that total shoulder arthroplasty does not provide important benefits over hemiarthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears. [15] It highlighted the current lack of high-quality evidence and need for randomized controlled trials.[ citation needed ]
Various materials can be used to make prostheses, however the majority consist of a metal ball that rotates within a polyethylene (plastic) socket. The metal ball takes the place of the patient's humeral head and is anchored via a stem, which is inserted down the shaft of the humerus. The plastic socket is placed over the patient's glenoid and is typically secured to the surrounding bone via cement. [13]
Recent advances in technology have led to the development of short stem, stemless, as well as cementless humeral replacement components being used in the operating room. [16] The glenoid implant technology has also seen advances [17] which have led to the reduction of rocking horse effect and glenoid implant loosening. [18] In addition, the increasing popularity of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has led to availability of 29 new prostheses in 2016 alone. [19]
Non surgery options are preferred treatment for a variety of reasons. Besides not wanting to risk the usual risks of surgery such as infection, shoulder replacement can lead to a variety of complications including rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral instability. However, despite these risks, shoulder replacement shows promise with a low rate of complication which depending on the type of surgery is close to 5%. [20] Patients having their procedure by surgeons who perform more than 10 shoulder replacements per year are less likely to need a subsequent revision surgery than if their surgeon performs fewer. [21] [22] An externally validated prediction model to estimate the risk of serious adverse events after shoulder replacement surgery has recently become available. [23]
Regional and general anesthesia are two methods that can be utilized when performing shoulder replacement. One example of a commonly used regional anesthetic is an interscalene brachial plexus block and it has been used in a number of shoulder procedures including instability repairs, proximal humeral prosthetic replacements, total shoulder arthroplasties, anterior acromioplasties, rotator cuff repairs, and operative treatment of humeral fractures. [24] The benefits of utilizing regional anesthesia over general anesthesia include less intraoperative bleeding, more muscle relaxation, shorter recovery room and hospital stays, decreased use of opioids, and avoiding the side effects of general anesthesia. [24] In addition, regional anesthesia may be more cost-effective because it reduces operating room turnover time and procedure time due to the patients waking up sooner after surgery.[ citation needed ]
The success rate of placing an interscalene brachial plexus block ranges from 84% to 98% according to some case studies. [25] [26] Major complications such as seizures, cardiac arrests, Horner's syndrome, hoarseness, and inadvertent spinal/epidural anesthesia could occur and therefore, patients should be carefully monitored during the insertion of the block until the end of the surgery. [24] Currently, data on combined usage of general anesthesia and interscalene blocks are limited. Some indications for combined anesthesia include difficult airway management and longer surgical procedures. [24]
A mixture of short and long-acting local anesthetics is used to prolong the duration as well as reduce the onset of the nerve block. Lidocaine is an appropriate short-acting local anesthetic and drugs such as levobupivacaine or ropivacaine are appropriate long-acting local anesthetics. [24] The amount of drugs needed for a patient during shoulder replacement can range from 30 to 50 ml and is calculated based on the patient's characteristics as well as the specific anesthetic technique used. [24]
Shoulder replacement can cause severe to very severe pain especially during shoulder mobilization and therefore, postoperative pain management is extremely important for recovery. This is because joint tissues are well innervated from nociceptive input and therefore, a surgical procedure in the joint region would produce continuous deep somatic pain as well as muscle spasms. [24]
The following anesthetics are methods commonly used to assist with post-operative shoulder replacement pain management:
Three types:
Single shot interscalenic analgesia is preferably used during minor arthroscopic surgery because of its short duration but overall, it is still a useful alternative when continuous interscalenic analgesia cannot be performed. [24] Interscalenic analgesia is most suited for the continuous infusion approach because shoulder replacement causes severe post-operative pain and the anatomic proximity of the interscalenic catheter to the shoulder joint provides quick relief. [24] The interscalenic catheter can be used from three to five days depending on the type of surgery.[ citation needed ]
Since the suprascapular nerve provides sensory information to 70% of the joint capsule, blocking this nerve can help with post-operative shoulder pain. A nerve stimulator, ultrasound device, or a needle insertion that is 1 cm above the midpoint of the scapular spine can quickly block the suprascapular nerve. [24] Furthermore, blocking the axillary nerve together with the suprascapular nerve can further anesthetize the shoulder joint. The benefit of the suprascapular nerve block is that it avoids blocking motor function to parts of the upper limb innervated by the more inferior roots of the brachial plexus (C8-T1), which thus prevents the phrenic nerve from being blocked. [24] Disadvantages to the suprascapular nerve block include using two separate needlings, blocking not all of nerves of the shoulder joint, and short duration of action. Some side effects for the procedure include pneumothorax, intravascular injection, and nerve damage. [24] Although this technique provides more pain control compared to placebo, the technique is still inferior to the interscalene block.[ citation needed ]
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage is performed using an arthroscope, an endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed during ACL reconstruction.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the human shoulder and allow for its extensive range of motion. Of the seven scapulohumeral muscles, four make up the rotator cuff. The four muscles are:
Shoulder problems including pain, are one of the more common reasons for physician visits for musculoskeletal symptoms. The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body. However, it is an unstable joint because of the range of motion allowed. This instability increases the likelihood of joint injury, often leading to a degenerative process in which tissues break down and no longer function well.
The human shoulder is made up of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula, and the humerus as well as associated muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a process of senescence. The pathophysiology is mucoid degeneration. Most people develop rotator cuff tendinopathy within their lifetime.
Arthroplasty is an orthopedic surgical procedure where the articular surface of a musculoskeletal joint is replaced, remodeled, or realigned by osteotomy or some other procedure. It is an elective procedure that is done to relieve pain and restore function to the joint after damage by arthritis or some other type of trauma.
Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability, most commonly offered when joint pain is not diminished by conservative sources. It may also be performed for other knee diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In patients with severe deformity from advanced rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or long-standing osteoarthritis, the surgery may be more complicated and carry higher risk. Osteoporosis does not typically cause knee pain, deformity, or inflammation, and is not a reason to perform knee replacement.
Joint replacement is a procedure of orthopedic surgery known also as arthroplasty, in which an arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with an orthopedic prosthesis. Joint replacement is considered as a treatment when severe joint pain or dysfunction is not alleviated by less-invasive therapies. Joint replacement surgery is often indicated from various joint diseases, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The shoulder joint is structurally classified as a synovial ball-and-socket joint and functionally as a diarthrosis and multiaxial joint. It involves an articulation between the glenoid fossa of the scapula and the head of the humerus. Due to the very loose joint capsule ,that gives a limited interface of the humerus and scapula, it is the most mobile joint of the human body.
Subacromial bursitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the bursa that separates the superior surface of the supraspinatus tendon from the overlying coraco-acromial ligament, acromion, and coracoid and from the deep surface of the deltoid muscle. The subacromial bursa helps the motion of the supraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff in activities such as overhead work.
A dislocated shoulder is a condition in which the head of the humerus is detached from the glenoid fossa. Symptoms include shoulder pain and instability. Complications may include a Bankart lesion, Hill-Sachs lesion, rotator cuff tear, or injury to the axillary nerve.
Shoulder arthritis can be one of three types of arthritis in the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder. The glenohumeral joint is a ball and socket joint, which relies on cartilage to move smoothly and to operate normally.
Shoulder surgery is a means of treating injured shoulders. Many surgeries have been developed to repair the muscles, connective tissue, or damaged joints that can arise from traumatic or overuse injuries to the shoulder.
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical procedure used to relieve arthritis in one of the knee compartments in which the damaged parts of the knee are replaced. UKA surgery may reduce post-operative pain and have a shorter recovery period than a total knee replacement procedure, particularly in people over 75 years of age. Moreover, UKAs may require a smaller incision, less tissue damage, and faster recovery times.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a syndrome involving tendonitis of the rotator cuff muscles as they pass through the subacromial space, the passage beneath the acromion. It is particularly associated with tendonitis of the supraspinatus muscle. This can result in pain, weakness, and loss of movement at the shoulder.
Evan Flatow is an American orthopaedic surgeon-scientist. As of 2023, he is President of Mount Sinai West, part of the Mount Sinai Health System. He published more than 400 book chapters and peer-reviewed articles. Flatow is indicated as principal or co-principal investigator for nine research grants and listed on six patents for influential shoulder implant systems.
Limb-sparing techniques, also known as limb-saving or limb-salvage techniques, are performed in order to preserve the look and function of limbs. Limb-sparing techniques are used to preserve limbs affected by trauma, arthritis, cancers such as high-grade bone sarcomas, and vascular conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers. As the techniques for chemotherapy, radiation, and diagnostic modalities improve, there has been a trend toward limb-sparing procedures to avoid amputation, which has been associated with a lower 5-year survival rate and cost-effectiveness compared to limb salvage in the long-run. There are many different types of limb-sparing techniques, including arthrodesis, arthroplasty, endoprosthetic reconstruction, various types of implants, rotationplasty, osseointegration limb replacement, fasciotomy, and revascularization.
Postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL) is a rare complication of arthroscopic surgery and involves chondrolysis wherein the articular cartilage of the shoulder undergoes rapid, degenerative changes shortly after arthroscopic surgery.
Reverse shoulder replacement is a type of shoulder replacement in which the normal ball and socket relationship of glenohumeral joint is reversed, creating a more stable joint with a fixed fulcrum. This form of shoulder replacement is utilized in situations in which conventional shoulder replacement surgery would lead to poor outcomes and high failure rates.