Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is often recommended for people with chronic shoulder pain that limits movement, interferes with daily activities, or disrupts sleep. Over time, this pain may be accompanied by stiffness and reduced range of motion, further affecting quality of life. When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, shoulder replacement may help reduce pain and restore function.

What is a Shoulder Replacement 

Shoulder replacement surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial components. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder blade (scapula), allowing for a wide range of motion.

Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, upper arm fractures, inflammatory arthritis, avascular necrosis, and post-traumatic arthritis can wear down the cartilage that cushions the joint. As this damage progresses, it can cause pain, stiffness, inflammation, and limited mobility. Replacing the damaged joint surfaces with implants is designed to relieve pain and improve shoulder movement.

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Depending on the condition of your shoulder, your Summa Health orthopedic surgeon will recommend the type of replacement that’s right for you:

Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement
An anatomic total shoulder replacement is often recommended for people with shoulder arthritis who have a healthy rotator cuff. The damaged parts of the joint are replaced with implants that match the shoulder’s natural shape, helping reduce pain and restore movement. If the rotator cuff or bone isn’t strong enough, a reverse shoulder replacement may be a better option.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
A reverse total shoulder replacement is often recommended for people with shoulder arthritis and a damaged or torn rotator cuff. During the procedure, the positions of the ball and socket are switched, allowing other muscles — especially the deltoid — to help lift and move the arm. This can improve stability, comfort and overall shoulder function. In some cases, specially designed implants may be used to better fit your shoulder and support improved motion.

What to Expect During Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Your Summa Health shoulder specialist will guide you through the details of your individual procedure. Most shoulder replacement surgeries take about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Risks of a Shoulder Replacement 

While shoulder replacement surgery is successful for many patients, potential risks include:

• Infection
• Nerve injury
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Shoulder stiffness or limited range of motion
• Dislocation or instability 
• Loosening or wear of the artificial components, which may require future surgery

Your individual risk depends on factors such as age, overall health, shoulder condition and the type of replacement performed. Smoking, low bone density, obesity and diabetes may increase the risk of complications. Your Summa Health shoulder specialist will review your risks and address any concerns before surgery. 

Shoulder Replacement Recovery

Most patients go home the same day as surgery. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions to help protect the new joint and support proper healing, including:

• You will wear a sling or arm immobilizer for several weeks to limit movement and protect the shoulder. 
• Pain and swelling are common early in recovery and can usually be managed with medication, ice and rest. 
• Physical therapy plays an important role in restoring strength, flexibility and range of motion.

Let your Summa Health shoulder specialist know right away if you experience increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever or chills. Keeping all follow-up appointments helps ensure a smooth recovery. Full recovery from shoulder replacement surgery typically takes six months to one year.

If shoulder pain is affecting your daily life, our team is here to help. Connect with Summa Health Orthopedics to learn more or schedule a consultation.