Total Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, involves the removal of damaged bone areas, replacing them with metal and plastic implants. The surgery is done to relieve pain and other symptoms that result from damage to the shoulder joint. The shoulder functions as a ball-and-socket joint, where the round ball of the upper arm bone fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder. Joint damage can lead to pain, weakness, and stiffness. Conditions that can damage the joint include:

Osteoarthritis also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, affects the cartilage covering the ends of bones, essential for smooth joint movement.

Rotator cuff injuries involve damage to the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, potentially leading to cartilage and bone damage within the shoulder.

Fractures of the upper end of the humerus may necessitate replacement, either due to the initial injury or failed prior surgery for fracture fixation.

Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, driven by an overactive immune system, can cause inflammation that damages cartilage and occasionally underlying bone in the joint.

Osteonecrosis can occur when certain shoulder conditions disrupt blood flow to the humerus, leading to bone collapse.

Shoulder implants come in various shapes and sizes, offering replacement options such as partial and total replacements, utilizing either anatomic or reverse implants.