Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications involved with shoulder replacement surgery as follows:
Complications are relatively rare with total shoulder replacement unlike other joint replacements, but can include:
- Numbness of skin at the surgical site: Nerves supplying to the skin on the shoulder could be permanently damaged due to the incision made during surgery. Individuals can present with numbness of skin on the shoulder in the surgical limb.
- Implant loosening and joint instability: 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.
- Rigidity in the joint: Range of motion in the surgical shoulder should progressively improve over 3 – 6 months after the surgery. Compliance with the therapy recommendations is very essential towards meeting this goal. Any rigidity in the surgical shoulder, despite compliance with therapy recommendations must be reported to the physician for further investigation.
