Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding lifestyle measures for individuals undergoing shoulder replacement surgery as follows:
- Loosening of the prosthetic implant is one of the most serious problems after shoulder replacement surgery. About 5 – 10 percent of individuals undergoing shoulder replacement could present with loosening of the implant. Loosening of the implant with joint instability can also happen years later to the surgery. Individuals can present with exacerbated pain, stiffness, limitation in range of motion, and worsening joint instability. Individuals with glenoid loosening could be needing a revision surgery on the shoulder. Keep a close watch for the above-mentioned signs and symptoms of glenoid loosening and report to the physician at the earliest for appropriate management measures to prevent further complications. Complying with the use of sling as recommended, limitations imposed on the weightbearing, and therapy prescribed can help prevent loosening of the prosthetic implant.
- Individuals can present with bleeding episodes after dental procedures and clean-ups. The bacteria in the oral cavity can gain access into the circulation through these bleeding spots in the mouth, travel in the blood to the artificial joint, infect the joint, and thereby, compromise the integrity & lifespan of the joint. Always, notify your dentist regarding the artificial joint on every dental visit. Your dentist could prescribe a course of prophylactic antibiotic to help prevent any infection of the artificial joint from developing.
- Certain movements can be stressful on the joint. Performing such movements can result in joint dislocations or wear the artificial joint out much ahead of the lifespan duration, thus necessitating a repeat surgery. Avoid sudden random jerky movements of the limb with the prosthetic.
