Generally
Shoulder osteoarthritis is a condition that can significantly impact patient’s daily routine, as it is accompanied by pain and limited movement of the shoulder joint.
The final and effective treatment of osteoarthritis, which allows the patient to return to a normal life, is total shoulder arthroplasty and replacement of the affected joint surfaces, with special implants.
What is a shoulder joint?
When we talk about the shoulder joint, we mean the glenohumeral joint, which consists of two articular surfaces: head of the Humerus and the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade.
What is shoulder osteoarthritis?
Shoulder osteoarthritis is the wear of the articular surfaces of the shoulder joint. It is a degenerative disease, i.e. the probability of its occurrence increases with age.
How many years of experience does Dr. Pantos have in this particular method?
Dr. Pantos has many years of training and experience in specialized shoulder surgery centers in Germany.
What kind of implants will you use?
In total arthroplasty of the shoulder joint there is the option of placing metal, ceramic or polyethylene implants.
What type of anesthesia will I receive?
Total arthroplasty of the shoulder joint is performed under general anesthesia.
How many days will I be hospitalized?
The patient remains in the hospital for 1 to 2 days and then returns home.
When will I return to my daily activities?
The return to daily activities is gradual and begins as early as one week after surgery. It is noted that the patient can self-serve even three days after surgery.
What is the success rate of this surgical method?
The success rates of total arthroplasty in the shoulder joint are very high and range between 90% to 95%.
Shoulder osteoarthritis can be divided into two general categories depending on its causes:
The first category concerns primary osteoarthritis, which has unspecified causes. Scientists attribute it to a genetic predisposition combined with chronic strain.
The second category concerns secondary arthritis, which may be caused by an injury to the shoulder area, a tendon rupture or, more rarely, an infection.
Another cause of osteoarthritis is the so-called osteonecrosis of the head of the humerus. This condition is not as rare as people think and causes, what is stated by its name, the death (necrosis) of the head of the humerus. Osteonecrosis occurs in cases of chronic alcoholism, chronic use of cortisone, etc.
