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.

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