Revision Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Revision shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure aimed at addressing a failed shoulder replacement. Learn about the reasons why you may need a revision, the symptoms indicating the need for such a procedure, and who qualifies for the procedure.

Dr. Brent J. Morris is an expert orthopedic shoulder and elbow surgeon in Lexington, Kentucky. Feel free to book a visit with Dr. Morris to see how we can provide you with a personalized assessment and advanced surgical solutions tailored to your individual needs.

Topic at a Glance

Revision shoulder replacement surgery is performed to address a failed or problematic shoulder prosthesis.
Common reasons for revision include implant loosening, infection, dislocation, wear, or interference from scar tissue or bone spurs.
Symptoms such as persistent pain, weakness, reduced motion, or joint looseness may indicate the need for revision surgery.
Revision procedures are more complex than initial shoulder replacements and may involve bone grafting or soft tissue repair.

Brent J. Morris, MD

Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon located in Lexington, KY

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What is Revision Shoulder Replacement?

Revision shoulder replacement is a procedure used to replace an existing prosthesis in the shoulder. Most shoulder replacements are successful, however not all patients get the desired results. And in some cases, the prosthesis fails. The procedure is also known as revision shoulder arthroplasty.

Why is the Procedure Done?

A revision shoulder joint replacement is done when the original shoulder replacement fails. Although rare, a shoulder replacement may fail because of implant loosening, infection, dislocation, or wear. Also, bone spurs or scar tissue can interfere with an existing prosthesis.

Symptoms That Indicate the Need for the Procedure

If your shoulder replacement starts to fail, you will experience symptoms similar to those you had before your replacement surgery. Symptoms indicating the need for a revision procedure include the following:

Persistent shoulder pain
Reduced shoulder movements
Shoulder weakness
Looseness in your joint

Who is a Candidate?

If you have had a previous shoulder replacement and are experiencing the symptoms above, you could be a candidate for revision shoulder replacement surgery. You must also be in good health to undergo surgery.

Preparing for Revision Shoulder Surgery

Before surgery, Dr. Morris will review your medical history. He will also perform a physical examination to determine the cause of your symptoms and why you may need revision surgery. Dr. Morris may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to help him see what is going on inside your shoulder.

All these diagnostic tests will help Dr. Morris determine why the previous shoulder replacement failed. He will then be able to determine the best revision surgery.

Revision Shoulder Replacement Procedure

During revision shoulder replacement, our expert shoulder surgeon will first repair any soft tissues and bone and replace the prior prosthesis. This may involve the use of a bone graft. He may also repair a damaged rotator cuff.

After repairing these problems, Dr. Morris may remove and replace all or part of your shoulder prosthesis. If you have an infection, he typically removes the entire joint replacement and treats the infection before giving you a new shoulder prosthesis.

The standard procedure for revising shoulder replacement typically involves the following steps:

The patient undergoes general anesthesia and is prepared for surgery.
An incision is made around the shoulder joint area to expose the prosthetic components and surrounding soft tissue, often using the same location as previous incisions.
Damaged or oversized prosthetic parts are carefully removed, ensuring the preservation of adjacent healthy tissue and structures.
Any residual debris from previous prostheses is cleared, allowing for the insertion of new replacement parts.
The new replacement is examined carefully to ensure proper fitting before securing them in place.
Imaging scans may be conducted to assess potential complications or alignment issues with the new components if needed.
Finally, once all components are successfully fitted and secured, the incision is closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied to facilitate healing. Rehabilitation exercises prescribed by a physical therapist are initiated post-surgery to aid in recovery.

The Recovery

Most shoulder surgery patients can go home the same day as their surgery; however, sometimes after revision surgery, an overnight stay is possible. During the initial phase of recovery, you will need to keep your arm in a sling to keep the pressure off your shoulder joint.

Exercises will be introduced slowly. Initially, these will help you to maintain your range of motion. Later, you will include exercises to restore shoulder strength. It may take longer to recover from revision surgery than your original procedure.

Schedule an Appointment Today

"I am a Construction worker with lots of problems on the way both my shoulders due to heavy lifting the use of air hammers and impacting with 20 pound hammers for long periods of time. Over the years developed pain specially at night unable to sleep.Brent put his hand on my shoulder before the operation and pray with me.My left shoulder is perfect now like brand new.I recommend him to anyone." - Carlos S.

Are you ready to take the next step toward regaining optimal shoulder function? Schedule a consultation with Brent J. Morris, MD today and embark on your journey towards renewed shoulder health and mobility.

Our office in Lexington, Kentucky, can provide you with all the information you need concerning shoulder replacement revision surgery. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Brent J. Morris, MD

How is revision shoulder replacement different from the first shoulder replacement?

Revision shoulder replacement is typically more complex than the initial surgery because it involves removing and replacing an existing prosthesis and addressing bone loss, scar tissue, or soft tissue damage. The procedure requires careful planning to restore stability and function.

How long do shoulder replacements usually last before revision is needed?

Many shoulder replacements last 10 to 20 years or longer. However, longevity varies depending on activity level, implant type, bone quality, and overall health. Some revisions are needed earlier due to complications such as infection or implant failure.

Is revision shoulder replacement more risky than primary shoulder replacement?

Revision surgery generally carries a higher risk than the initial procedure due to its complexity. That said, experienced surgeons like Dr. Morris take extensive measures to reduce risks and improve outcomes.

Will my shoulder function improve after revision surgery?

Most patients experience improved pain relief and shoulder function after revision surgery. Final results depend on factors such as the reason for revision, bone and soft tissue quality, and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation.

Can a failed shoulder replacement be treated without surgery?

In some cases, symptoms can be temporarily managed with medications, physical therapy, or activity modification. However, when the implant has failed or is causing ongoing pain or dysfunction, revision surgery is often the most effective solution.