Shoulder replacements, also known as shoulder arthroplasties, are a common procedure aiming to relieve pain and restore your shoulder joint’s normal range of motion. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. It consists of the glenoid fossa (socket) and humeral head (ball) that fits into the socket. Shoulder replacement surgeries replace these components with ceramic and plastic materials to restore joint functionality. Shoulder replacement encompasses procedures including: total shoulder replacement, hemiarthroplasty (partial shoulder replacement), resurfacing hemiarthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder replacement. Total shoulder replacement will involve replacing the ball and socket with synthetic implants. Partial shoulder replacements will involve only the ball on the humerus (upper arm bone) being replaced. A reverse total shoulder replacement will instead attach the socket onto the humeral head and the ball onto the shoulder bone.  The surgeon will decide on the appropriate treatment based on your age, humeral head and glenoid fossa condition, potential rotator cuff tearing, and overall stability of your shoulder joint.