Shoulder prosthesis

When you have problems with your shoulder such as wear and tear, a fracture or an abnormality, it is sometimes necessary to remove the joint and replace it with a prosthesis.

Why a prosthesis?

The most common causes for replacing a joint are wear and tear, osteoarthritis or a fracture. When you suffer from this and medication or other means (physical therapy, infiltrations...) no longer help, the placement of a prosthesis is considered. This prosthesis aims to relieve you of your pain and allow the joint to move better.

We will give you an information session before the operation to prepare you as well as possible.

In the month before your admission, you will have the opportunity to attend an information session. During this session you will receive more information about the preparation for your surgery, your hospitalization and further rehabilitation. It is important that you know about this before your surgery. You can opt for a physical information session in the hospital, or you will be digitally forwarded some videos via e-mail.

The video below already contains a lot of information about what to expect.

The procedure

You must be sober the morning of the procedure. You must wash yourself thoroughly the night before with a disinfecting soap (iso-Betadine Uniwash®). There may be a blood test before surgery, if necessary. During the surgery, the diseased joint will be replaced with a prosthesis.

In a classic shoulder prosthesis, the head of the upper arm is replaced with a metal cup that is secured to the upper arm with a stem. In addition, the hollow socket of the shoulder blade is replaced. The new parts fit together and form the new joint.

After the operation

You will receive an IV to administer fluids and medication. A pain pump may also be connected. The wound is cared for daily and the dressing is changed on the day of discharge.

After surgery, you will have a sling on. This supports and immobilizes the arm. Movements from the shoulder are limited because of this. Your attending physician will indicate how long it is necessary to use the sling. You will learn during your stay in the hospital how and when you can and may take off the sling.

Recovery

Your discharge is prepared in close co-operation with the team (orthopaedist, nurses, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker) and primary care providers such as the family doctor, physical therapist and home nurse.

After getting a shoulder prosthesis, you can follow a customized rehabilitation program.

Rehabilitation after shoulder replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

The Isobetadine Uniwash® soap is available in pharmacies without a prescription. Instructions for use can be found on our website.

Departments

For more information, please visit the orthopaedics department.

Association orthopaedics 011 33 42 86 dr. Peter Bollars 011 69 96 60