Shoulder replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment for relieving severe shoulder pain and restoring function. The procedure was first performed in the 1950s to treat complex shoulder fractures and is now commonly used for a variety of painful shoulder conditions.
When non-surgical treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, or injections no longer provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended. The goal of the procedure is to reduce pain and allow patients to return to normal daily activities.
The shoulder joint is made up of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). It is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the scapula called the glenoid.
The surfaces of these bones are covered with articular cartilage, which allows smooth movement of the joint. A thin membrane called the synovial membrane produces lubricating fluid that reduces friction within the joint.
Muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder provide stability and allow the shoulder to move through a wider range of motion than any other joint in the body.
During shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged portions of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial components known as prostheses.
Depending on the condition of the joint, the procedure may involve replacing only the head of the humerus (the ball) or replacing both the ball and the socket (glenoid).
Several conditions can cause severe shoulder pain and joint damage that may eventually require shoulder replacement surgery.
Before recommending surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon performs a comprehensive evaluation that includes medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies.
X-rays are used to assess the extent of joint damage and evaluate the condition of the bone. In some cases, additional tests such as MRI, blood tests, or bone scans may be required to assess the surrounding tissues and confirm the diagnosis.
There are several types of shoulder replacement procedures. The choice depends on the patient’s condition, bone quality, and the integrity of the rotator cuff tendons.
In a total shoulder replacement, the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with a polished metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic socket component. These implants come in different sizes and are selected according to the patient’s anatomy.
Patients with severe osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff are typically good candidates for total shoulder replacement surgery.
