 Diagnosis (Shoulder) |
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Doctors |
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Rehabilitation |
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Service |
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 Shoulder prosthesis |
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The endoprosthetic reconstruction of arthritically altered shoulder joints has experienced a major boom in the last ten years. Whereas artificial replacement methods for hip and knee joints are now commonplace and fully developed, the technically more complicated field of endoprosthetics for the shoulder joint is lagging somewhat behind. In selected centres however, it is already possible to combine excellent surgical know-how with the immense technical progress of modern shoulder joint endoprosthetics. |
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Endoprosthetic replacement of fully degenerated joint surfaces provides a great therapeutic opportunity. The aim of replacing joint surfaces is relief from pain and a clear improvement in the stiffened function of the shoulder joint. The ideal timing of the operation is also very important for achieving excellent functional results. Ideally it is better not to wait until the shoulder joint has completely stiffened. Naturally, there is then still the possibility of achieving the restoration of sufficient or more than satisfactory function to the shoulder joint. Good preoperative shoulder mobility makes for outstanding postoperative functionality. Many of our patients are golf enthusiasts who have been forced to give up their favourite sport. Our experience, and also the experiences of renowned American shoulder centres, supports the desire and demand of our patients not to have to do without their beloved sport, but rather to be able to play golf again. |
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In addition to painful deterioration of the shoulder joint through degenerative wear (arthrosis), the following afflictions are also good indications for the suitability of carrying out a joint surface replacement: rheumatoid arthritis, necrosis of the head of the humerus and humerus breakage. A variety of prosthesis components are available that are specifically adapted to the needs of the respective disorder. |
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| Principle of a modern total prosthesis |
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| Principal of a surface replacement |
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| Surface replacement on the humerus |
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 | | X-ray image of a total prosthesis |
The most common from of stay at the clinic is as a short-term in-patient. Ideally this is followed directly by a course of rehabilitation as an in-patient, in a specialist therapeutic shoulder centre, over a period of three to four weeks. The physiotherapeutic treatment is then continued as an outpatient by selected therapists. The postoperative functional treatment here starts the first day after the operation, essentially without any period of rest.
Training of the joint’s mobility in water is taken up after just two weeks. Alongside physiotherapeutic treatment, a special training program for the underdeveloped muscle groups is also commenced very early on. We carry out regular checks of the progress made during the course of rehabilitation at predefined intervals. Close communication between the operating surgeon and the physiotherapists providing follow-up treatment ensures a high degree of security and optimises the postoperative result, i.e. improved functionality and relief from pain. |
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| Golf player with a double total prosthesis |
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