Tel:01706 869025
emma.shires2@circlehealthpartners.co.uk
www.fixmyshoulder.co.uk

Mr Robin Seagger
MBBS MSc FRCS
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulders Elbows and Sports Injuries
Total Shoulder Replacement
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Aim:
To alleviate pain from shoulder arthritis with good tendon/muscle function
Surgery type:
Open surgery
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Anaesthetic:
General (asleep) usually with a nerve block
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Objective:
Open approach to the shoulder joint- deltopectoral approach
Subscapularis tendon released from the front of the shoulder
Shoulder capsule and soft tissues released to allow dislocation of the humeral head
Osteophytes (arthritic spurs) removed from the head
Ball cut to shape using a specialised jig and power saw
Access to socket with specialised retractors to visualise bone surface
Jig used to guide placement of a guide pin just below centre of the socket
Bone reamers and rasps used to shape the socket to receive plastic socket
Plastic socket cemented in to bone with 4 small pegs
Shaft of humerus (arm bone) opened with metal sound/sizers
When correct size obtained bone shaped to accept trial stem
Trial stem inserted into the humerus- care taken to get rotation of stem in bone
Trial metal head attached to stem to recreate the normal patients anatomy
Head size is crucial to improve stability but reduce wear on the tendons
Stem component is relocated/reduced back in to joint
When component size, rotation and tension acceptable the real stem can be constructed form modular parts
The real prostheses is inserted and reduced
The subscapularis repair is stitched to the humerus exactly where it was released
Soft tissues are closed with stitches
A sling is applied to the arm
Duration:
90-150 minutes
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Scars:
1 (8-15cm- patient size dependent- oblique scar on front on the shoulder
Sling:
Wear at night up to 6 weeks. Can remove as comfortable during day from 3 weeks
External rotation as directed by operation note- depends on subscapularis repair
Sports:
3 months- non contact sports, cycling, jogging, breast stroke
6 months- contact sports
9 months- overhead sports
Work:
Sedentary jobs- return as pain allows 1-3months
Manual jobs- may need to adjust activity for up to 4 months
Driving:
From 8 weeks dependant on pain and ROM