Shoulder Replacement Surgery

• Total shoulder replacement – the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint (like your hip), a replacement typically involves replacing the “ball” atop your upper arm as well as the “socket” in your shoulder blade.
• Partial shoulder replacement – If the damaged part of the shoulder is isolated to a specific area, our surgeons may recommend a partial shoulder replacement where only the ball is replaced.
• Reverse shoulder replacement – This type of surgery is used in cases where the rotator cuff muscles are damaged beyond repair. In a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket positions are reversed, so your arm can be powered by the deltoid muscles instead of the rotator cuff.

• The most common condition that patients seek shoulder replacement surgery for is osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear and causes pain and stiffness in joints. It is most common among older adults.
• Other conditions that shoulder replacement surgery may treat include:
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Severe fractures
  • Failed previous shoulder replacement surgery

While shoulder replacement surgery is becoming more common, the treatment is typically recommended for:

• Patients who experience severe shoulder pain to the point where everyday activities are painful and difficult such as washing in the shower, reaching for something, etc.
• Patients with poor range of motion or weakness in the shoulder
• Patients who experience significant shoulder pain while they are sleeping.
• Patients who have not responded to other treatments like physical therapy, medications, injections, or other procedures
• Patients who had a previous shoulder replacement that was unsuccessful

Depending on their overall health and other factors, patients could go home the same day of the surgery (outpatient) or they may require a hospital stay for observation for a few days (inpatient).

You will be required to wear an immobilizer to promote healing, which is similar to a sling.

A patient’s recovery experience is also dependent on his or her adherence to a recovery plan.
The recovery plan for shoulder replacement surgery may include:

• Physical therapy – this is usually done in-home for the first two weeks and then the patient switches to in-person physical therapy
• Limiting or modifying activities
• Using assistive devices