If non-surgical treatments and medication do not bring relief and restore mobility, your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement. Shoulder replacement is a surgery performed to replace the arthritic ends of bone and damaged cartilage with prosthetic implants designed to move like a healthy shoulder.
Shoulder replacement: Total anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA)
What kind of shoulder replacement may be appropriate for you?
There are two types of total shoulder replacements—anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement. Both procedures replace the “total” shoulder joint, meaning implants replace both the “ball” (humeral head) and “socket” (glenoid) of the shoulder joint. The procedures differ in the positioning of the ball and socket implants and the muscle groups used for movement after surgery.
Hemiarthroplasty is a type of partial shoulder replacement. In this procedure, only the “ball” of the shoulder joint (the humeral head) is replaced with an implant, while the patient’s natural “socket” (glenoid) is left intact. Since it replaces only one side of the joint, hemiarthroplasty may be considered in certain situations where the socket is still healthy. Your surgeon will evaluate your shoulder anatomy, condition, and goals to determine whether a partial or total shoulder replacement is the most appropriate option.
Orthopaedic evaluation
While every orthopaedic evaluation is unique, there are many commonly used tests that an orthopaedic specialist may consider in evaluating a patient’s condition. The orthopaedic evaluation may consist of:
A thorough review of your medical history
A physical examination
X-rays (or other advanced imaging studies)
Additional tests as needed. These may include laboratory testing of blood, urine, or joint fluid and/or a bone scan of the joint and surrounding soft tissue
What happens during surgery and how can you prepare?
During surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon replaces parts of the damaged upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder socket (glenoid) with surgical-grade metal and polyethylene (plastic) components referred to as implants. Your doctor may use the term shoulder arthroplasty, the medical term for the procedure.
Your surgeon will discuss your specific condition and explain the potential benefits, risks and considerations of any surgical or non-surgical treatment option to manage your shoulder condition. Discuss with your doctor what course of treatment may be right for you. Discuss with your doctor what course of treatment may be right for you.
