Total Shoulder Replacement

Most injuries to the shoulder can require surgery if they have sustained a high level of damage. Only patients with significant damage to the shoulder are recommended total shoulder replacement. The shoulder is a large ball-and-socket joint made up of the humerus (upper arm bone) and a shallow socket called the glenoid fossa that is surrounded by a ring of cartilage called the labrum. Osteoarthritis, a traumatic injury, and overuse can cause the labrum to wear down, leading to pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion. If your shoulder is severely damaged, and you are a qualifying patient, the specialized orthopedic surgeon at the Shoulder Institute at ORTHOKnox will recommend a total shoulder replacement.

Types of Shoulder Replacements

There are two types of shoulder replacements, traditional and reverse. Your surgeon will recommend one of these types based on the severity of the damage within your shoulder joint. Traditional shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have osteoarthritis, but your rotator cuff tendons are in good standing.

In traditional total shoulder replacement, the damaged head of the humerus is replaced with a metal ball, and the shoulder socket is replaced with plastic. Following any joint replacement surgery, you will go through several weeks of physical therapy to help you safely recover and regain your mobility as quickly as possible.