Our Summary

This study looked at the results and complications of a specific type of shoulder replacement surgery, using a pyrocarbon shoulder prosthesis, in 10 patients. The patients were all under 60 years old and had different types of shoulder arthritis or damage.

Half of the patients had to have further surgery to replace the prosthesis due to poor results. These patients all had a specific type of shoulder shape (Walch type B) and it took an average of 5 years before they needed more surgery. The other half of the patients did not need further surgery and reported significant improvement in their shoulder function and pain, but they were only followed up for just under 3 years.

The conclusion from this study is that this type of shoulder replacement does not work well in younger patients with a specific type of shoulder shape (Walch type B). The researchers advise against using this method in these patients. However, the prosthesis seems to work better in patients with certain types of shoulder damage or arthritis, but it is not clear how long the prosthesis will last in these patients.

FAQs

  1. What is a pyrocarbon shoulder prosthesis and who is it typically used for?
  2. According to the study, why is the pyrocarbon shoulder prosthesis not recommended for younger patients with a Walch type B shoulder shape?
  3. How long does the pyrocarbon shoulder prosthesis typically last in patients before additional surgery is needed?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about shoulder replacement is to discuss with your surgeon the type of prosthesis that will be used and ask about the success rate in patients with similar conditions and age. It is important to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the expected outcomes and longevity of the prosthesis. Additionally, following post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy recommendations is crucial for optimal recovery and function of the shoulder joint.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended for shoulder replacement surgery are those who have severe shoulder pain and limited function due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or severe fractures. Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may also be considered for shoulder replacement surgery. However, individual factors such as age, overall health, and specific shoulder anatomy will also play a role in determining if shoulder replacement is the best treatment option for a particular patient.

Timeline

Before shoulder replacement surgery, a patient may experience chronic shoulder pain, limited range of motion, difficulty performing daily activities, and the need for pain medications. They may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without success.

After shoulder replacement surgery, the patient can expect to undergo a period of rehabilitation to regain strength, range of motion, and function in the shoulder. This typically involves physical therapy and exercises to help improve mobility and prevent stiffness. The patient may also experience some pain and discomfort in the immediate post-operative period, but this should improve over time.

Over the long term, patients who have successful shoulder replacement surgery can expect to experience improved shoulder function, decreased pain, and a better quality of life. However, there is always a risk of complications or the need for revision surgery, as seen in the study mentioned above. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor the health and longevity of the shoulder prosthesis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of shoulder replacement surgery do you recommend for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery?
  3. How long can I expect the shoulder prosthesis to last?
  4. Are there any specific factors or characteristics of my shoulder that may impact the success of the surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after shoulder replacement surgery?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional surgeries or procedures in the future?
  7. What are the potential long-term effects of shoulder replacement surgery on my shoulder function and overall health?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before proceeding with shoulder replacement surgery?
  9. How many shoulder replacement surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources about shoulder replacement surgery to help me make an informed decision?

Reference

Authors: Hirakawa Y, Ode GE, Le Coz P, Onishi S, Baverel L, Ferrand M, Collin P. Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2021 Oct;30(10):2361-2369. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.01.032. Epub 2021 Mar 4. PMID: 33677116