Treating problems of omarthrosis (shoulder osteoarthritis)

Definition and indications

A shoulder prosthesis is indicated with primary or secondary shoulder osteo-arthritis (with damage to the rotator cuff). It also helps to treat certain fractures.
There are anatomical prostheses and reversed prostheses - the choice is made depending on well-defined criteria.

        Reversed shoulder prosthesis        Anatomical shoulder prosthesis

Sequence

Patients are hospitalised the day before the operation.
The operation is carried out with interscalene catheter placement, more or less under general anaesthesia.
The procedure lasts around 2h and is done with open surgery.

On the first post-operative day, patients start the programme of physiotherapy twice daily.
The interscalene catheter will be gradually removed.

The hospital stay is 3 nights / 4 days.

On returning home:
Change of dressings twice a week at the surgery of the treating physician or at the outpatient clinic.
Outpatient physiotherapy twice a week.
Removal of surgical staples 21 days after the operation at the surgery of the treating physician or at the outpatient clinic.
Next check-up at Dr Steve Brenn's surgery is 6 weeks postoperatively.

Result

The main aim is to relieve the pain and improve shoulder function.

Surgical risk

Infection: less than 1-2%
Stiffness: gentle physiotherapy or cessation of physiotherapy helps treatment.