Osteoarthritis

---

Artificial Joint Replacement

Osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint leads to a thinning of the cartilage tissue that forms the joint. As the joint cartilage thins, movements in the shoulder joint become painful. Everyone develops osteoarthritis. From approximately 65 years of age, virtually no one is without signs of joint wear and tear. Causes of degenerative joint cartilage disease include age, accident mechanisms, cortisone therapy, rheumatic diseases, and tendon tears.

Video: Reverse Prosthesis | Shoulder

When is surgery needed?

If osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is so advanced that conservative therapeutic measures and/or arthroscopic surgery no longer alleviate the pain, then artificial shoulder joint replacement (endoprosthesis) is the treatment of choice.

What happens during surgery?

There are different models for artificial shoulder joint replacement. The specific model to be used depends on the extent of joint, muscle, and tendon damage, as well as the patient's demands, activity level, and age. Shoulder joint replacement surgery is performed under inpatient conditions.

Aftercare

Following such an operation, immobilisation in a sling at night is usually required for 6 weeks. After discharge, physiotherapy should be continued, possibly in the form of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Shoulder function is subsequently restored by means of physiotherapy and an individualised aftercare programme. During the immobilisation period, desk work is generally only possible to a limited extent; patients engaged in physical labour must expect a period of incapacity for work lasting 2 to 4 months.