Shoulder replacement surgery

You and your physician may consider shoulder replacement when other treatments haven't provided lasting relief. Common reasons include: 

• Severe shoulder pain that limits daily activities
• Pain at rest or during sleep
• Significant stiffness or loss of motion
• Weakness that interferes with function
• Limited improvement with medications, injections or physical therapy 

Your specialist will carefully evaluate your symptoms, imaging studies and overall health to determine whether shoulder replacement surgery is right for you. 

Before recommending surgery, your care team may explore nonsurgical options such as medications, injections and physical therapy to manage pain and improve movement. When these approaches no longer provide relief, surgical options include: 

Anatomic shoulder replacement

This approach replicates the natural structure of the shoulder. The damaged humeral head is replaced with a metal ball attached to a stem, and the socket is resurfaced with a durable plastic component. It's typically recommended when the rotator cuff tendons are intact and functioning well.

Reverse shoulder replacement

In a reverse shoulder replacement, the positions of the ball and socket are switched, so a metal ball is placed on the shoulder blade and a socket component is attached to the upper arm bone. This allows the deltoid muscle to power the shoulder instead of the rotator cuff. It's often recommended for people with severe arthritis combined with rotator cuff damage, complex shoulder fractures or previous unsuccessful shoulder surgery. 

Before surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination and order imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans. These tests help assess joint damage, bone quality and the condition of surrounding tissues so your care team can build a personalized surgical plan. 

Recovery from shoulder replacement is a gradual process supported by a structured rehabilitation program. 

• Your arm is typically supported in a sling while healing begins.
• Medications help manage pain and reduce the risk of infection.
• Physical therapy starts soon after surgery and plays a key role in restoring movement, strength and shoulder stability.
• Most patients can resume gentle daily activities within two to six weeks, with continued improvement over several months. 

Your care team will guide you through each step of recovery and adjust your rehabilitation plan as you heal.

As with any major surgery, shoulder replacement carries potential risks, including infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, joint instability or wear of the prosthesis over time. Your surgeon will review these risks with you and answer your questions before surgery so you feel informed and prepared every step of the way.