Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, relieves pain and improves function in people with severe shoulder arthritis or a shoulder injury. The damaged parts of the joint are replaced with artificial components, after non-surgical treatments such as therapy and injections have been tried.

Older man holding a painful shoulder
Doctor examining a patient's shoulder and arm

What Is Shoulder Replacement?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. When the cartilage covering the ball and socket wears down or the joint is badly injured, movement becomes painful and stiff. Shoulder replacement replaces the damaged parts of the joint with artificial components, typically made of metal and plastic.
 
For many shoulder problems, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and corticosteroid injections are effective. In more severe cases, including some large rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthroplasty may be necessary to relieve pain and improve function.

Conditions Shoulder Replacement Treats

Shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended for:

Shoulder arthritisCartilage wear causing pain, stiffness, and limited motion. Rotator cuff tearsLarge tears that occasionally require more intensive surgery.
FracturesShoulder fractures that cannot be treated with less invasive procedures.
Joint painSevere, persistent shoulder pain.
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From Non-Surgical Care To Arthroplasty

For many shoulder conditions, physical therapy, medication, and corticosteroid injections provide relief. When they do not, and pain and stiffness limit daily life, shoulder arthroplasty may be the next step.
 
An orthopedic evaluation with X-rays and other imaging determines the extent of joint damage and whether replacement is appropriate.
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Hand on a painful, highlighted shoulder

How Shoulder Replacement Works

Shoulder arthroplasty follows these steps:

  1. 1

    Anesthesia

    You are made comfortable for the procedure.

  2. 2

    Removing damaged tissue

    Through an incision in the shoulder, the damaged bone and cartilage are removed.

  3. 3

    Placing the implants

    The artificial components are inserted into the joint and secured.

  4. 4

    Closing

    The incision is closed and the shoulder is placed in a sling.

  5. 5

    Rehabilitation

    Physical therapy restores strength and range of motion.

Recovery After Shoulder Replacement

Recovery varies with the individual and the extent of surgery.

Weeks 0 to 6

Sling and protection

The shoulder rests in a sling while it heals, with gentle motion as directed.

Weeks 6 to 12

Physical therapy

Therapy restores strength and range of motion.

Several months

Normal activities

Most people return to normal activities.

Up to a year

Full healing

Full function may take up to a year to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement, also called shoulder arthroplasty, replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components, typically metal and plastic, to relieve pain and improve function.

What conditions does shoulder replacement treat?

It treats severe shoulder arthritis, certain large rotator cuff tears, and fractures that cannot be treated with less invasive procedures.

Is non-surgical treatment tried first?

Yes. Physical therapy, medication, and corticosteroid injections often provide relief. Shoulder replacement is considered in more severe cases.

What happens during the procedure?

The surgeon makes an incision in the shoulder, removes the damaged bone and cartilage, and secures the artificial components in the joint. The shoulder is then placed in a sling.

How long will I wear a sling?

The shoulder is typically placed in a sling for several weeks to allow healing.

How long is recovery?

Most people return to normal activities within several months, but it may take up to a year for the shoulder to fully heal and regain full function.

What are the risks?

Potential complications include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and nerve damage. An experienced orthopedic surgeon helps minimize these risks.

How do I know if I need a shoulder replacement?

An orthopedic evaluation with X-rays and other imaging determines whether replacement is appropriate. Call (321) 499-4646.

Reducing Surgical Risks With Expert Care

Shoulder arthroplasty is highly effective, but like any surgery it carries risks, including:

  • Infection.
  • Bleeding.
  • Blood clots.
  • Nerve damage.
  • An experienced orthopedic surgeon helps minimize these risks.
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Woman holding a painful shoulder

Related Treatments

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair fixes torn shoulder tendons through small incisions, usually as an outpatient procedure. Learn how it works and recovery.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery, also known as arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat injuries and problems in the joints. Orthopedic arthroscopy is a common procedure used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, and wrist.

Joint Replacement

Orthopedic joint replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased joint with an artificial joint, also known as a prosthesis. The most common joints that are replaced are the hip and knee, but joint replacement surgery can also be performed on the shoulder, elbow, ankle, and finger joints.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an advanced form of extended care that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions to help relieve chronic pain and other symptoms.

Total Hip Replacement

When hip pain interferes with daily life and is not helped by more conservative treatments such as pain management or injections, it may become necessary to replace the hip with an artificial implant.

Knee Replacement

Minimally invasive knee replacement relieves arthritis pain with smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and a faster recovery.

Knee Ligament Reconstruction

Also known as a knee ligament repair, this procedure involves replacing the damaged ligament in the knee with a healthy tendon.

Meniscectomy

A meniscectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the meniscus, a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage located between the thigh bone and shin bone in the knee joint.

Pain Management Injections

Several types of injections can be used to diagnose and treat back pain. In many cases, injections are used for both purposes at the same time.

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