Shoulder Replacement

In case of shoulder arthritis the surfaces of the shoulder joints become rough and create significant pain that may not be reduced by the pain killers or other medications. In certain cases the injury to the shoulder leads to the degeneration of the cartilage. In these cases it becomes even difficult to move the hand and normal work and activities of the person are affected.

The shoulder replacement package includes transportation between the airport, clinic, and hotel, 4 days stay at a hotel, 5 days stay at the clinic and 7 days at a specialized rehabilitation center. It further includes all consultation and surgeon's fees, all anesthesiologist fees, initial and final examinations and any necessary medication for surgery and recovery.

The surgeon makes about 4 to 6 inches long incision in front of the shoulder. The surgeon may perform either a total or partial shoulder replacement as necessary. In the total shoulder replacement the ball from the top of the humerus is removed. It is replaced with the metallic prosthesis, which is given a half-moon shape and is attached to the arm bone. The socket (glenoid) portion of the shoulder blade bone is cleaned and replaced with the artificial socket. During partial replacement surgery the damaged ball (humeral head) is replaced with the metallic ball while the socket is healthy and it remains untouched. The surgeon checks for the stability and the balance of the shoulder by moving it and finally closes the incision by giving the stitches.

General anesthesia is used throughout the entire procedure. The surgery lasts about two hours.

With shoulder replacement surgery it is possible to restore the smooth and stabilizing surfaces of the shoulder bones that have been damaged by arthritis or other injury. The comfort and the functions of the shoulder are improved and pain and stiffness is eliminated.