The shoulder is a’ ball and socket’ joint with a large ball and shallow socket. This allows the shoulder to have a large range of movement. The shoulder rotator cuff is a group of muscles that keeps the ‘ball’ centred in the socket when we move our shoulder. Due to arthritis, the shoulder joint can become painful. There can also be a reduction in range of movement and function can be affected.

The most common indication for Shoulder Replacement is for Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) or Rheumatoid Arthritis. With worsening arthritis, the pain can get so bad that it interferes with your day to day activities. Pain killers may not help anymore and you may struggle to do simple activities such as getting dressed and combing your hair. The pain may start to disturb your sleep. Shoulder replacements are also sometimes necessary following a fracture.

Osteoarthitis Right Shoulder on X-Ray

PROCEDURE

Just like a Hip or a knee replacement, a Shoulder Replacement replaces the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial joint (Prosthesis). The joint is opened at the front of shoulder using a 10-12cm skin cut. Generally, I do this procedure with general anaesthesia supplemented with an interscalene block to help with pain relief following your surgery.

AIM

The primary aim of the surgery is to reduce the pain in your shoulder. After surgery, you will hopefully have more range of movement and improved function.

TYPES

There are 2 types of Total Shoulder Replacement: Anatomical and Reversed. For the standard total shoulder replacement to be done, your rotator cuff should be in good functional condition. If not, you will need either a reverse shoulder or a hemiarthroplasty (replacing only the ball but not the socket).

Like with any other joint replacement, risks for a Shoulder Replacement include infection, bleeding, stiffness, dislocation, nerve damage, fracture and DVT.  In my experience, the probability of these complications happening is less than 5%.