Abstract
Total shoulder arthroplasty has been shown to be a very effective means of restoring function in all forms of arthritic shoulders. However, much as with any form of arthroplasty, problems and complications can and do occur. These include infection, nerve injury, anesthetic complications, peri-prosthetic fracture, instability and dislocation, nerve and vascular injury, loosening, loss of mobility, and contracture or stiffness, and implant related failures.
Careful pre-operative planning, intra-operative technical execution, and post-operative rehabilitation all designed to meet the needs and demands of the specific patient can help identify potential sources of complications pre-operatively and avoid them post-operatively. Understanding the specific complexities of the type of arthritis being addressed, the strengths and weaknesses, limitations and need for adjustments to the local anatomy can help the surgeon execute the total shoulder arthroplasty with minimal likelihood for post-operative complications. Awareness of patient's own flora and application of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis can help identify patients at risk for infection.
Although it is impossible to fully eliminate the occurrence of complications, a majority can be avoided through attention to detail.
