Revision Shoulder Replacement

Total shoulder replacement is the replacement of the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the glenoid cavity (cavity of the shoulder blade) into which the humerus fits, with artificial prostheses to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness caused due to damage of cartilage at the articulating surfaces. The procedure usually has good results, but a revision surgery may occasionally be necessary due to persistent pain, infection, stiffness, weakness, instability, hardware loosening, malposition or fracture.

These complications occur with the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs), scar tissue, deficits in the supporting muscles, injury to nerves during surgery, soft tissue imbalance and loose bodies. Complications may also occur when the components are too large, become loose or misplaced. Inadequate participation in the rehabilitation program and overstraining the repaired tendons too early are other causes for surgical failure.