Shoulder Replacement / Shoulder Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in Orthopedics and is performed to relieve pain and restore range of motion by replacing, remodeling the shoulder joint.

(Arthro means of a joint or relating to joints) and (Arthroplasty means reforming of a joint)

Total Shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or Total Shoulder Replacement is a surgical procedure where the glenohumeral joint (all or part) is replaced by a prosthetic implant. The arthritic ball of the shoulder is replaced by a smooth metal ball that is fixed to the humerus or the arm bone by a stem. It is a procedure for treating severe pain and stiffness that results from various forms of arthritis or degenerative joint disease of the shoulder joint. Shoulder arthritis in its severity can be quite painful and can restrict the range of motion. The goal of shoulder replacement or shoulder arthroplasty include pain relief and restoring motion.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

Shoulder Bones

Humerus: The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm or forelimb and runs from the elbow joint to the shoulder. At the shoulder the glenoid fossa of the scapula connects the humerus to the frame of the body. The humeral head is the ball of the joint, which is the uppermost part of the humerus.

Scapula: The scapula or scapulae, also called shoulder blade or wing bone is the bone that connects the collar bone or clavicle with the humerus. The shoulder socket also called the glenoid fossa is shallow and part of the scapula.

Clavicle or the Collar Bone: The clavicle is a long bone that extends between the sternum (the breastbone) and the shoulder blade. The clavicle along with the shoulder blade makes up the shoulder girdle.

Acromion: The acromion is the roof of the shoulder and is a bony process on the scapula or the shoulder blade and it helps form the upper part of the shoulder socket.

Shoulder Joints:

• The Glenohumeral Joint
• The Acromioclavicular Joint
• The Sternoclavicular Joint
• The Scapulothoracic Joint

Shoulder Replacement

Although shoulder joint replacement is less common than knee or hip replacement, it is just as successful in relieving joint pain. If nonsurgical treatments like medications and activity changes are no longer helpful for relieving pain, you may want to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain and help you resume everyday activities.

In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components, called a prosthesis. The treatment options are either replacement of just the head of the humerus bone (ball), or replacement of both the ball and the socket (glenoid).

Causes of Shoulder Pain and Disability

Several conditions can cause shoulder pain and disability, and lead patients to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery.

• Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Post-traumatic Arthritis
• Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
• Severe Fractures
• Failed Previous Shoulder Replacement Surgery

When to consider Shoulder Replacement

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement surgery.

People who benefit from surgery often have:

• Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities, such as reaching into a cabinet, dressing, toileting, and washing.
• Moderate to severe pain while resting. This pain may be severe enough to prevent a good night’s sleep.
• Loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder.
• Failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.

Different procedures offered according to your condition

• Total Shoulder Replacement
• Stemmed Hemiarthroplasty
• Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty
• Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Many thousands of patients have experienced an improved quality of life after shoulder joint replacement surgery. They experience less pain, improved motion and strength, and better function.