Total Shoulder Replacement Complications

A total shoulder replacement is the replacement of the shoulder joint with a prosthesis. Osteoarthritis is probably one of the major reasons for the replacement of the shoulder, but you may also need to go through such a procedure due to more severe fractures or trauma of the joint as well as other degenerative conditions. While most people experience a great many benefits from the replacement of a shoulder, there is always the potential for complications.

Mechanical Loosening

• One of the more common complications of a total shoulder replacement is a mechanical loosening. With a loosening, the device actually begins to separate from the bone. However, this is a gradual loosening that happens over the course of years, prompted by movement of the arm and shoulder. When it does eventually occur, you'll often suffer from some level of pain. Thus it requires another surgical procedure to correct the problem.

Instability

• Another potential complication of a total shoulder replacement is instability within the joint itself. Much like mechanical loosening, this instability can happen over time, but you may also experience a lack of stability soon after the surgical procedure itself. If you were to experience a gradual instability, it could be a result of erosion to the bone or device itself, loss of muscle tone or a tear in one or more of the ligaments, muscles or other tissues of your shoulder. With post-operative instability, it can be a result of "malposition" of the actual implant, a discrepancy within the tissue of your shoulder or even overuse soon after replacement.

Failure

• Sometimes, a total shoulder replacement can bring about the complication of "failure." In this situation, the device experiences some sort of malfunction that causes it to fail. This could be a fracture within some section of the prosthesis, causing it to no longer work properly. It may also be a discrepancy in the construction of the unit, affecting the way in which your shoulder moves.

Infection

• There is also the potential to experience an infection. This infection is usually isolated to the area of the surgical procedure, affecting both the shoulder joint and the device itself. And while the risk of infection is relatively low, it may set in anywhere from a day after the replacement to upwards of a year later. However, another infection from a different part of your body can also affect your shoulder joint replacement, thus making your overall health an important part of joint maintenance.

Hematoma

• A hematoma is essentially a form of internal bleeding that causes blood to collect in and around the recently replaced joint. Though not necessarily as serious as other complications, it may affect the overall function of the prosthesis and even lead to an infection. As the hematoma persists, your shoulder often becomes tender and may develop some bruising.

Nerve Damage

• It is also possible to suffer nerve damage after a total shoulder replacement. Nerve damage usually takes place during the surgery and can affect the shoulder as well as the associated arm or even the hand. This may cause a change in sensation and movement within these areas of the body, but it is typically only a temporary problem.