Our Summary

This study looks at the results of shoulder replacement surgery in people who have had polio. Polio can cause various orthopedic problems, including arthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, bone deformities, and chronic joint instability.

In this study, seven patients around 70 years old underwent different types of shoulder replacement surgeries. The researchers followed up with these patients for an average of 87 months to assess their pain levels, range of motion, and shoulder performance post-surgery.

The results showed that overall pain scores improved significantly after surgery. Most patients had little to no pain and rated their shoulder function as much better or better. The range of motion in the shoulder also improved, but the strength of the shoulder muscles decreased slightly, although this wasn’t deemed significant.

There were signs of muscle imbalance in some patients, which resulted in some instability in the shoulder. However, this didn’t cause any symptoms or require any further surgery.

The researchers concluded that shoulder replacement surgery can significantly relieve pain and improve movement in patients with polio-related shoulder problems. However, muscle weakness can lead to instability after surgery, so doctors need to carefully select patients with good upper arm muscles.

FAQs

  1. What types of orthopedic problems can polio cause?
  2. What were the overall results of the shoulder replacement surgeries in patients with polio-related shoulder problems?
  3. What precautions should doctors take when selecting patients for shoulder replacement surgery based on this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might provide to a patient about shoulder replacement surgery is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan closely. This includes attending physical therapy sessions, doing recommended exercises at home, and avoiding activities that could strain the shoulder during the recovery process. Compliance with the rehabilitation plan can help improve strength, range of motion, and overall function of the shoulder after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for shoulder replacement surgery include those with severe shoulder pain and stiffness that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. Other conditions that may warrant shoulder replacement surgery include severe arthritis, rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired, shoulder fractures that do not heal properly, and chronic shoulder instability.

In the case of patients with polio-related shoulder problems, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended if the patient experiences severe pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities. Patients with polio-related shoulder problems may benefit from shoulder replacement surgery to improve pain, function, and quality of life. It is important for doctors to carefully evaluate each patient’s individual condition and overall health before recommending shoulder replacement surgery.

Timeline

Before shoulder replacement surgery, a patient typically experiences chronic shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities due to arthritis, injury, or other shoulder conditions. They may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections without success.

After shoulder replacement surgery, the patient goes through a period of rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and function in the shoulder. This involves physical therapy, exercises, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress. Over time, the patient should experience reduced pain, improved range of motion, and better overall shoulder function. It may take several months to a year for the patient to fully recover and return to normal activities.

Overall, the goal of shoulder replacement surgery is to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life for patients with shoulder problems. With proper care and rehabilitation, most patients can expect a successful outcome and long-term benefits from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about shoulder replacement surgery for polio-related shoulder problems include:

  1. What specific type of shoulder replacement surgery do you recommend for me based on my individual case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery in patients with polio?
  3. What is the expected recovery timeline and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  4. How will my shoulder function and range of motion be impacted after surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy or other post-operative treatments to regain strength and stability in my shoulder?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my progress and address any concerns?
  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to protect my shoulder after surgery?
  8. What is the long-term outlook for my shoulder health following replacement surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options or therapies I should consider before deciding on surgery?
  10. Do you have experience performing shoulder replacement surgery on patients with polio, and what is your success rate in these cases?

Reference

Authors: Werthel JD, Schoch B, Sperling JW, Cofield R, Elhassan BT. Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2016 May;25(5):791-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.09.032. Epub 2015 Dec 15. PMID: 26700552