Shoulder Replacement Surgery

 

Severe arthritis of the shoulder joint is a common reason for shoulder replacement surgery.  Patients with arthritis describe a deep pain within the shoulder joint.  The pain is often worse with movement and activity and may ease with rest.  As the arthritis progresses, pain may be present even during rest.  Other symptoms may include loss of motion, stiffness, swelling and tenderness around the joint and a feeling of grinding or catching.

Conservative treatment options should be tried before considering shoulder replacement surgery.  Treatment usually begins with rest, exercise and taking anti-inflammatory medication.  Cortisone injections can also provide temporary pain relief.

If non-surgical treatments fail, shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary.  The surgery alleviates pain by replacing the damaged bone and cartilage with a metal and plastic implant.  The shoulder is a ball and socket joint.  The ball is the top of the arm bone (humerus), and the socket is within the shoulder blade (scapula). 

Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the ball from the top of the humerus and replacing it with a metal implant.  The socket portion of the joint is shaved clean and replaced with a plastic socket that is cemented into the scapula.  

A rehabilitation program is critical to the success of your recovery.  Physical therapy typically begins the day following surgery.  An exercise program will be prescribed for you to perform at home following your surgery.   Recovery from shoulder replacement surgery usually takes 3 to 6 months.