Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the ball and socket of the shoulder with a combination of plastic and metal components called a prosthesis. The prosthesis performs the functions of your previously normal joint. In certain cases only the ball may have to be replaced. Your doctor will make this decision based on findings during the surgery or age and activity level.

Performed regularly since the 1960s, joint replacement surgery is one of the most important surgical advances of the last century. Since that time, improvements in joint replacement surgical techniques and implant technology have greatly increased the effectiveness of this surgery. Thousands of total joint replacement operations are now performed each year in the United States.

In shoulder replacement surgery, the diseased surfaces of the bone are removed and replaced by a metal prosthesis. Total shoulder replacement involves replacing the surface of both bones. Partial replacement usually entails replacing only the ball of the humerus (arm bone).

Implant materials are specially designed and sterilized for medical use to integrate and function within the body's bone structure just like a normal shoulder. Replacement joints are created in many different sizes in order to match the anatomy of each patient as close as possible.

The replacement joint is comprised of metal and plastic components shaped like your shoulder. The ball of your humerus is replaced by a rounded metal head, which is attached to a metal stem inserted into the top of the arm bone. The worn socket of the shoulder blade is replaced with a dished plastic surface. The implants may be held in place by friction, or with a special acrylic bone cement.

The operation normally takes one to two hours and is performed under spinal or general anesthesia.