Shoulder replacement and elbow arthroplasty are two surgical procedures that are performed to treat severe joint pain and dysfunction in the shoulder and elbow joints, respectively. These procedures involve replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial implants to restore joint function and alleviate pain. Shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged or diseased parts of the shoulder joint with prosthetic components. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision to access the shoulder joint. The damaged parts of the joint, including the ball-shaped head of the upper arm bone and the socket of the shoulder blade, are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. The prosthetic components are typically fixed to the bone using cement or press-fit techniques. After the implants are securely in place, the incision is closed, and the shoulder may be immobilised using a sling to allow for proper healing.
Elbow arthroplasty, also known as elbow replacement, is a surgical procedure that Melbourne’s best shoulder surgeons specialise in, which involves replacing the damaged or diseased parts of the elbow joint with prosthetic components. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision to access the elbow joint. The damaged parts of the joint, including the ends of the humerus and the ulna, are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. The prosthetic components are typically fixed to the bone using cement or press-fit techniques. After the implants are securely in place, the incision is closed, and the elbow may be immobilised using a splint or cast to allow for proper healing.
Both shoulder replacement and elbow arthroplasty are major surgical procedures that require thorough pre-operative evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, to determine the appropriate treatment plan. They are typically recommended for patients who have severe joint pain and functional limitations due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or other joint diseases or injuries that have not responded to conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or joint injections.