Shoulder | Total Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement surgery removes damaged portions of the shoulder joint and replaces them with artificial components.

The most common types are anatomic total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement. The appropriate procedure depends on the condition of the cartilage, rotator cuff, bone, and shoulder joint.

Shoulder replacement may be considered for severe arthritis, certain complex fractures, avascular necrosis, severe bone loss, or other conditions that cause significant pain and loss of function.

Reverse shoulder replacement may be particularly useful when there is significant rotator cuff deficiency combined with shoulder joint damage.

In an anatomic shoulder replacement, the artificial joint is designed to reproduce the normal anatomy of the shoulder.

In a reverse shoulder replacement, the positions of the ball and socket are reversed. This changes the mechanics of the shoulder and allows the deltoid muscle to provide more of the function normally supplied by the rotator cuff.

Recovery is gradual. A sling is typically used for the first 4 weeks, a followed by progressive physical therapy.

Many patients see substantial improvement in pain and function during the first several months, while strength and overall recovery continue to improve for 6–12 months.

Most patients gradually return to daily activities as healing and strength improve. The timing depends on the type of replacement, the patient’s health, and the activity involved.

Higher-impact activities and heavy lifting may be restricted to protect the shoulder replacement.

Modern shoulder replacements are designed to provide long-term pain relief and function. Longevity varies based on factors including implant type, activity level, age, and individual patient factors.

Potential complications include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, fracture, instability or dislocation, implant loosening or wear, and the need for additional surgery.