Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Saroj Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic

About Your Shoulder

The joint where your upper arm connects to your body is a ball-and-socket joint. The bone in your upper arm, called the humerus, has a round end that fits into the curved structure on the outside of your shoulder blade.
Ligaments and tendons hold it together. Ligaments connect the bones, while tendons connect muscles to the bone. A layer of tissue called cartilage keeps the bones apart, so they don't rub against each other. The ball and socket lets you move your arm up and down, back and forward, or in a circle..

Why you need Shoulder Arthroplasty

You may have to have it done if you have a condition that makes it painful and hard to use your arm, such as:

A serious shoulder injury like a broken bone
Severe arthritis
A torn rotator cuff

Your doctor will probably try to treat you with drugs or physical therapy first. If those don’t work, he may recommend surgery.

Shoulder replacement surgery is less common than hip or knee replacements. But more than 50,000 shoulder replacements are done in the U.S. each year.

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgeries

An orthopedic surgeon will replace the natural bone in the ball and socket of your shoulder joint with a material that could be metal or plastic. It's a major surgery that'll keep you in the hospital for several days. You’ll also need several weeks of physical therapy afterward.

There are three types of shoulder replacement surgeries:

Total Shoulder Replacement

Total shoulder replacement is the most common type. It replaces the ball at the top of your humerus with a metal ball, which gets attached to the remaining bone. The socket gets covered with a new plastic surface.

Partial Shoulder Replacement

Partial shoulder replacement Only the ball gets replaced.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Usually, you'd get this if you have a torn rotator cuff. It’s also done when another shoulder replacement surgery didn’t work. The metal ball gets attached to your shoulder bones, and a socket is implanted at the top of your arm.

Recovery from Shoulder Replacement Surgery

You can expect to spend 2 to 5 days in the hospital after your operation before going home. Your shoulder will swell, and it will hurt. Your doctor will prescribe drugs to help you manage the pain. Cold compresses can help control the swelling.
At first, your arm will be in a brace to keep it from moving. Within a day or so, you’ll start physical therapy to get your arm and your new shoulder working.
You’ll keep doing physical therapy after you go home. You’ll do exercises that will gradually improve how your new joint works. Don’t rush things: It may take 4 weeks before you can pick up anything heavier than a glass of water.
Your arm will be in a sling for most of your recovery. It may be 6 weeks or more before you can drive again.
In the year after your surgery, you’ll have several follow-up visits with your doctor so she can see how your recovery is going.

Frequently Asked Question

What is shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial joint components. The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and improve mobility in the shoulder.

Who is a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended for people who have severe shoulder pain and disability due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions that have damaged the joint. The surgery is typically recommended for people who have tried other treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, and have not found relief.

How is the surgery performed?

The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the shoulder and then remove the damaged bone and cartilage from the joint. The artificial joint components are then attached to the remaining bone using special cement or a press-fit method. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied.

What is the recovery process like after shoulder replacement surgery?

Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the person’s age, overall health, and the severity of their condition. Physical therapy is typically recommended after surgery to help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve mobility. Most people are able to return to their normal activities, including work and leisure activities, within a few months of surgery.

Are there any risks or complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you before the procedure, and you can ask any questions you may have.

Saroj Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Saroj Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic

About Your Shoulder

Why you need Shoulder Arthroplasty

You may have to have it done if you have a condition that makes it painful and hard to use your arm, such as:

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgeries

Total Shoulder Replacement

Partial Shoulder Replacement

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Recovery from Shoulder Replacement Surgery

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Saroj Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic

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