Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Replacement is a treatment method applied for painful shoulder joint damage and complex fractures of the humerus. Thanks to advancing technology and improving prostheses and surgical techniques, shoulder replacement surgery is now as commonly performed as knee or hip replacements.

What is Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder replacement involves applying a prosthesis to the shoulder joint that has lost its function due to various reasons.

Why is a Shoulder Prosthesis Used?
Shoulder prosthesis is applied to restore joint movement, relieve pain, and eliminate movement restrictions caused by damage to the shoulder joint due to various reasons such as arthritis.

If a doctor predicts that a complex fracture of the upper humerus will heal in a position that impairs shoulder movement or if healing is unlikely due to advanced age or the nature of the fracture, shoulder replacement is necessary.

Shoulder prosthesis is also applied to restore motion and reduce painful movement caused by ligament injuries in the shoulder joint.

How Long Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Take?
The duration of shoulder replacement surgery depends on the reason for the prosthesis but typically takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Why is Shoulder Replacement Performed?

• For loss of function in the shoulder joint

• Complex fractures of the upper humerus

• Ligament injuries in the shoulder joint

How Many Days is the Hospital Stay After Shoulder Surgery?
The average hospital stay after shoulder replacement surgery is about 2 days, depending on the patient’s overall condition and the reason for the prosthesis.

When Does Shoulder Surgery Heal?
After the shoulder replacement surgery, the patient wears a bandage and undergoes wound care for 3 weeks, followed by physical therapy. It takes approximately 6 weeks for the shoulder to return to normal function.

How Long Does Physical Therapy Last After Shoulder Surgery?
Physical therapy is recommended to begin 3 weeks after the prosthesis is applied. The duration of physical therapy varies depending on the reason for the prosthesis and typically lasts between 3 to 6 weeks.

What is the Process for Dressing Changes and Stitch Removal?
You must strictly follow your doctor’s preoperative and postoperative instructions!

After surgery, wound dressing should be performed carefully every two days under sterile conditions by a healthcare professional for 3 weeks.

On the 21st day, stitches are removed under the doctor’s supervision, control X-rays are taken, and the patient is referred to physical therapy.