If non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications or lifestyle changes haven't helped your shoulder pain, shoulder replacement surgery may be an option. A full shoulder replacement is called total shoulder arthroplasty. It’s often recommended for people with advanced arthritis or serious shoulder injuries. At Banner Health, our expert orthopedic surgeons provide the care you need to feel better and move more easily.
Shoulder replacement surgery removes the damaged parts of your shoulder joint and replaces them with artificial components. The surgeon removes the ball (top of the upper arm bone, or humerus) and the socket (part of the shoulder blade, or glenoid) and replaces them with prosthetic parts made of metal, plastic or both.
This procedure can reduce pain and improve how well your shoulder moves. It can make everyday tasks easier and improve your quality of life.
The type of surgery you need depends on your condition, joint damage and symptoms. Your doctor will recommend the best option to help preserve as much of your natural joint as possible.
Partial shoulder replacement (hemiarthroplasty): Only one part of the shoulder joint—either the ball or the socket - is replaced. The ball (humeral head) is most commonly replaced.
Anatomic total shoulder replacement: Both the ball and socket are replaced with artificial parts that mimic the natural shape of the joint. This is best for patients with a working rotator cuff and is often used to treat arthritis.
Reverse total shoulder replacement: The ball and socket are reversed—the ball is attached to the shoulder blade, and the socket is placed on the arm bone. This helps people with severe rotator cuff damage or weak shoulder muscles move their arm using the deltoid muscle. It’s the most common type of shoulder replacement.
Shoulder replacement can offer many benefits:
Your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement to treat:
You’ll have a medical evaluation with your surgical team, which may include a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or a CT scan.
Here are ways to prepare:
Being prepared helps you have a smoother recovery and better results.
You’ll get general anesthesia (to sleep) and possibly a nerve block to numb your shoulder. Your surgeon makes an incision near the joint, removes damaged bone and cartilage and places the prosthetic parts. These are either cemented in or press-fit into place.
The incision is closed and bandaged, and you’ll move to recovery where your team monitors you and manages any pain.
Surgery usually takes a few hours.
Most people go home the same day. Some may stay up to three days depending on their health and type of surgery.
Recovery takes about eight weeks for most people. You may regain full strength and function over several months. Most people can return to daily activities within 2 to 6 weeks and more active tasks within 10 to 12 weeks. High-impact sports may take 6 months to resume.
Regular follow-up visits help track your healing and give you a chance to ask questions or adjust your plan as needed.
Shoulder replacement is generally safe, but like any surgery, there are risks:
Talk to your surgeon about your individual risk factors and how they’ll work to minimize them.
Most patients enjoy long-term relief from pain and better shoulder function. More than 90% of shoulder replacements last at least 10 years. Newer techniques and materials are making surgeries even more successful.
Your outcome depends on your health, how well you follow instructions, and your commitment to rehab. Staying in touch with your care team helps ensure the best results.
If shoulder pain is making daily life harder and other treatments haven’t worked, shoulder replacement may be the answer. A Banner Health orthopedic specialist can help you decide what’s best for your situation.
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