Shoulder Replacement · Shoulder arthroplasty
Anatomic total shoulder replacement
Shoulder Arthritis — Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
The condition
Shoulder arthritis is the wearing away of the smooth cartilage that covers the ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) of the shoulder. As it thins, bone rubs on bone and bone spurs form, causing deep aching pain, grinding, stiffness, and trouble sleeping and reaching.
The surgery
Total shoulder replacement is done through an incision at the front of the shoulder. The worn ball is replaced with a metal implant and the socket with a smooth plastic liner. A tendon at the front of the shoulder is opened to reach the joint and repaired at the end, so the shoulder is protected early on. This procedure requires an intact rotator cuff. Tearing of the rotator cuff, before or after surgery, may require transitioning to a reverse shoulder replacement.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Worn for 6 weeks, removed only for hygiene and therapy exercises. Gentle assisted motion begins right away.
- Daily life
- For 6 weeks: no lifting or pushing up from a chair with the surgical arm; then no more than 1–2 lb until 12 weeks. No reaching behind your back for 8 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Lifting & overhead
- Strengthening begins at 10-12 weeks with light weights. Most patients can reach overhead by ~3 months; strength keeps improving for a year or more.
- Activity
- Light recreation (such as golf chipping) ~4 months and full activity at 6 months. Heavy weightlifting is generally avoided long-term pending discussion with your surgical team.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have major pain relief and better motion for daily activities. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, loosening or wear of the implants over time, failure of the tendon repair, instability or dislocation, fracture around the implant, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves or blood vessels), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. If this shoulder replacement fails, it likely requires surgery to revise it to a reverse shoulder replacement.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery