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Total Shoulder Replacement

This webpage will give you information about a total shoulder replacement. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is progressive damage to one or more joints.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where there is progressive wear and tear of a joint. Some other types of arthritis are associated with inflammation of the joints.

The end result of arthritis is that the normal cartilage covering the joint surfaces wears away and the bone underneath becomes damaged. This causes joint pain and stiffness.

What are the benefits of surgery?

If your shoulder replacement is successful, you should have less pain and be able to move your arm more easily.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help control the pain. Regular moderate exercise helps to reduce stiffness.

A steroid injection into the shoulder joint can sometimes reduce pain and stiffness. All of these measures become less effective as the arthritis gets worse.

What does the operation involve?

A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the front of your shoulder and remove the damaged ball (head of the humerus). They will replace the ball and sometimes also the socket. The new ball is made of metal and the socket is usually made of plastic (see figure 1).

Shoulder replacement

Figure 1 - Shoulder replacement

The shoulder replacement is fixed into the bone using a special coating on the arm-side of your shoulder joint.

What complications can happen?

1 General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Unsightly scarring
Chest infection
Heart attack or stroke

2 Specific complications of this operation

Damage to nerves.
Infection
Loosening
Rotator-cuff tears
Dislocation
Stiff shoulder

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after two to three days.

You will need to keep your arm in a sling to keep the tension away from your shoulder joint.

Most people make a good recovery, with much less pain and better movement. An artificial shoulder never feels quite the same as a normal shoulder and it is important to look after it in the long term.

A shoulder replacement can wear out with time.

Summary

Arthritis of the shoulder can cause severe pain, stiffness and disability. A shoulder replacement operation should reduce your pain and help you to move your shoulder more easily.