Total Shoulder Replacement or TSR is an open surgical procedure that allows us to replace the damaged or arthritic shoulder joint with a resurfacing of the arm bone(humerus) and scapula with metal and plastic surfaces. The humeral side is replaced with a titanium metal head and stem to provide for bony in-growth to secure the prosthesis to the arm. On the scapular side (glenoid) surface a polyethylene (plastic) insert, to restore the normal joint height, is placed. The polyethylene surface allows the shoulder joint to be replaced with a metal on plastic articulation. This allows for smooth range of motion. The new design that we use is the DJO Turon(TM) Modular Shoulder System. This shoulder replacement is a special design that allows for achieving the best motion This advanced prosthesis is designed for more normal activities and longer lifespan.
Prior to surgery, you will meet with the total joint coordinator who will assist you in your preparation for surgery, monitor your recovery and transition to home. You will meet with a medical doctor to ensure that you are healthy and fit for surgery. You will meet with a physical therapist to understand the exercises before and after surgery.
On the day of surgery, the anesthesiologist will discuss with you the best anesthesia for you. You will then be taken to the operating suite where surgery will last approximately 2 hours. You will then be in the recovery room for approximately 40 minutes. You will then be transferred to your hospital room. The physical therapist will drop by that day to start some simple exercises.
We expect you to be hospitalized overnight in which time you recover from surgery achieving good pain control, use of the shoulder immobilizer, independence in daily activities, and early exercises. After your discharge from the hospital you will attend physical therapy as an outpatient.
The suture repairing your skin wound is under the skin and will reabsorb. We then follow you in our office for an initial wound check and at monthly intervals to ensure a complication free recovery from your surgery. Your initial recovery will last 3-4 months. We then allow you to be on an independent exercise and activity program. We follow you at yearly intervals to ensure with x-rays that the prostheses continues to function as expected. We recommend antibiotics for any invasive procedures for the first six months after surgery if your immune system is not compromised. We like to discuss future athletic endeavors and activities to ensure the long-lasting function of your new shoulder replacement.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a newer and exciting addition to the field of shoulder surgery. Dr. Bomberg is the first surgeon to perform these in the Yampa Valley and has the most clinical experience. This procedure solves a problem patients with a chronic rotator cuff tear and pain or arthritis have. How to get pain relief and improve the function of the shoulder. With the reverse shoulder arthroplasty both pain relief and restoration of function to allow over head use of the arm is possible. Dr. Bomberg had a recent article in the Steamboat Pilot regarding the procedure: click here
