Professional Overview

Shoulder replacement surgery entails the removal of damaged bone areas, which are then replaced with implants made of plastic and metal. This procedure, known as shoulder arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee), is conducted to alleviate pain, weakness, and stiffness caused by joint damage.

As the shoulder comprises a ball-and-socket joint, implants shaped differently and ranging in size are available. Partial and total replacement options are offered, comprising either anatomic or reverse implants.

Shoulder replacement surgery is performed to relieve pain and other symptoms that stem from damaged shoulder joints. The causes of joint fatigue include osteoarthritis which is known as wear-and-tear arthritis. Rotator cuff injuries may also cause harm to cartilage and bone in the shoulder joint. Upper humerus fractures may require replacement surgery following failed fracture fixation procedures or as a result of the injury. Other inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis may result in joint damage through inflammation which can harm the cartilage or even the underlying bone. Due to conditions such as these, shoulder replacement surgery may become necessary to alleviate these symptoms.

Depending on the kind of joint damage present, the doctor may recommend one of three shoulder replacement options:

• Anatomic total shoulder replacement: replaces the ball as well as the socket, with implants that replicate the natural form of the bones.
• Reverse total shoulder replacement: replaces the ball and the socket with reversed implants. The ball is placed on the shoulder blade while the socket is placed on the upper arm bone. This option is recommended where the rotator cuff has suffered severe damage.
• Partial shoulder replacement: replaces only the head of the joint, and is recommended where only the ball side of the joint is damaged.