Are there any specific risks to this procedure compared to other procedures?
Joint replacements entail a few unique risks.
The implants are made of metal and plastic and can therefore wear over time. This wear usually occurs over the course of many years.
Once you have an implant in place you should also take antibiotics prior to certain procedures such as dental work to prevent infection. It’s typically recommend that patients do this for about 2 years after the initial surgery. Call your dentist ahead of any planned dental work to have them write you a prescription for the particular antibiotic that they recommend.
After you’ve had an implant placed, always be aware of any signs of infection such as warmth, drainage or redness near your new joint implant. You want to call your surgeon immediately if you have any of these signs.
When will I be back to full activity?
Most people will be back to full activity somewhere in the 3-6 month time period after surgery. However every patient is a little bit different. And each patient has a different definition of what full activity means.
Full activity does not necessarily mean full recovery. Studies show that people continue to improve up to 1 year after a shoulder replacement. So you can continue to expect improvements over time.
Will I set off metal detectors at the airport?
Maybe. But it’s not always the case.
What materials make up my anatomical total shoulder replacement?
The socket portion of the implant is made of a plastic called polyethylene. It is cemented in place. The head is replaced with metal ball and stem. The stem will either be cemented in place or “press fit.” A press fit stem has a rough surface to which bone bonds.