Shoulder fusion surgery or glenohumeral arthrodesis is an open procedure in which the humeral head (top of the arm bone) is joined to the shoulder socket. This is a somewhat rare procedure, suggested for patients who have a nerve injury, infections, recurrent instability, tumor, severe osteoarthritis, trauma or any other irreversible damage to the shoulder. After the shoulder is fused, there will be loss of motion but some movement will still be possible. Patients typically stay in the hospital for three or four days after the procedure.
Shoulder Fusion Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction
Shoulder fusion surgery is an open procedure performed by removing cartilage and soft tissue in the socket of the shoulder. The arm bone is then fused to the shoulder socket with a plate and screws. A rare surgery, doctors usually only suggest this for patients who have experienced nerve injury, infections, recurrent instability, tumor, severe osteoarthritis, trauma or any other irreversible damage to the shoulder. Patients are under general anesthesia during this procedure. Knee fusion surgeries are open procedures that are performed at hospitals by an orthopedic surgeon. Patients stay in the hospital for three to four days and start physical rehabilitation within 24 hours.
Patient Preparation for Knee Fusion Surgery
A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.
What to Expect During and After Knee Fusion Surgery
The surgery itself takes about two hours. After checking in to the hospital and going back to the preop room, an intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. The procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. Shoulder fusion surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who will first make an incision over scapular spine (shoulder blade). The undersurfaces of the outer end of the shoulder blade, the glenoid cavity and the humeral head are removed. Cartilage, tendons and ligaments are also removed. The bones are then fused using metal plates, screws, rods, a bone graft or a combination of those. After incisions are closed — using stitches or steri-strips — your shoulder will be immobilized in a splint or cast.
After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain. The shoulder will be permanently rigid, though patients should be able to reach their mouths and possibly the top of their heads. Physical therapy is crucial in recovery.
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