Shoulder pain can be exhausting, especially when it stops you from doing the things you love. From cooking to exercising, even small movements can become difficult when your shoulder joint is severely damaged.
When treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections no longer work, shoulder replacement surgery may be the next step.
This blog will guide you through the types of shoulder replacement surgeries available, how they work, and who is a candidate for a shoulder replacement surgery.
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure where damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial implants. These implants are designed to replicate the shape, structure, and function of a healthy shoulder joint, allowing you to regain mobility and reduce pain.
Doctors recommend shoulder replacement surgery when non-surgical treatments, like medication or physical therapy, are no longer effective.
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, meaning the top of your arm bone (humerus) forms a ball that fits into a rounded socket on your shoulder blade. This unique design allows for a wide range of motion, but it also means the joint is vulnerable to wear and tear over time.
Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgeries
There are several types of shoulder replacement surgeries available, depending on the severity of your condition and the specific needs of your shoulder.
Total Shoulder Replacement
This is the most common type of shoulder replacement surgery and is used when both the ball and socket of the shoulder joint are damaged by arthritis or injury.
During the procedure, the ball at the top of the humerus is replaced with a metal implant, while the damaged socket is fitted with a smooth plastic component. This combination allows for smoother movement and reduced pain.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement is often recommended for patients with severe rotator cuff damage. Instead of a traditional ball-and-socket design, this type of replacement switches their positions.
A metal ball is placed on the shoulder blade, and a plastic socket is attached to the upper arm. This adjustment encourages other muscles in the shoulder to take on the role of the damaged rotator cuff, improving stability.
Partial Shoulder Replacement
Sometimes referred to as a “hemiarthroplasty,” this surgery involves replacing only the damaged ball of the shoulder joint. This option is generally used when the surrounding socket remains relatively healthy.
Am I a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery is typically considered when:
- Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or corticosteroid injections, have not relieved your pain.
- Pain severely limits your ability to perform daily activities, like reaching, lifting, or sleeping comfortably.
- Imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRIs) show significant damage to the shoulder joint.
Conditions that often lead to shoulder replacement surgery include:
- Osteoarthritis, which wears away the cartilage in the joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease causing joint pain and swelling.
- Post-traumatic arthritis following an injury that damages the joint.
- Severe fractures of the shoulder bone.
- Rotator cuff tears that result in arthritis or instability in the joint.
Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and imaging results to determine if shoulder replacement surgery is the right treatment for you.
Benefits of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery can significantly improve your quality of life by addressing chronic pain and restoring function. Here are the key benefits in detail:
Pain Relief
One of the primary outcomes of shoulder replacement is a dramatic reduction in pain. Many patients report noticeable relief within just a few days post-surgery, making it easier to perform daily tasks without discomfort.
Improved Mobility
Surgery can restore the range of motion in your shoulder, enabling you to return to activities that may have been difficult or impossible before, such as gardening, golfing, or playing with grandchildren.
Physical therapy after shoulder replacement surgery further enhances mobility over time.
Better Sleep Quality
Chronic shoulder pain often disrupts sleep. After surgery, reduced pain levels allow for uninterrupted rest, which plays a crucial role in recovery and overall well-being.
Enhanced Quality of Life
With less pain and greater mobility, patients often experience newfound independence and confidence in daily activities, from dressing and cooking to engaging in hobbies and social interactions.
Shoulder replacement surgery is a transformative solution for individuals struggling with severe shoulder pain and limited motion, helping them regain control over their lives.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Naples, FL
Shoulder replacement surgery offers effective relief for chronic pain and loss of movement. If you are considering this procedure, consulting with a trusted orthopedic specialist is the first step.
At the Joint Replacement Institute, our orthopedic surgeons specialize in shoulder replacement surgery and personalized care. We provide diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and treatment options tailored to your needs — all in one location.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you regain your range of motion and live without shoulder pain. Call us at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
