Why is the Shoulder Joint Important?

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, allowing you to lift, reach, rotate, and carry. It’s made up of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone)—held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

When the shoulder joint is damaged by arthritis, injury, or degeneration, it can lead to:

• Pain

• Loss of motion

• Weakness

• Difficulty performing everyday tasks like dressing, lifting, or sleeping comfortably

What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the joint and replacing them with artificial components (prosthetics) to restore smooth, pain-free movement.

There are two main types:

1. Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic)

This is used when the rotator cuff muscles are intact but the joint is worn down by arthritis or injury.

• The damaged ball (humeral head) is replaced with a smooth metal ball.

• The socket (glenoid) is replaced with a durable plastic surface.

• The artificial components mimic the natural anatomy of the shoulder.

✅ Ideal for osteoarthritis, fractures, or degenerative joint disease with a healthy rotator cuff.

2. Reverse Shoulder Replacement

This is done when the rotator cuff is torn or not functioning properly.

• The normal ball-and-socket structure is reversed: the ball is placed on the shoulder blade, and the socket is placed on the upper arm.

• This allows the deltoid muscle to take over movement normally handled by the rotator cuff.

✅ Ideal for large rotator cuff tears, complex fractures, or failed previous surgeries.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Most modern shoulder replacements are done using minimally invasive surgical techniques:

• Smaller incisions to reduce muscle damage

• Use of 3D imaging and intraoperative navigation for precision

• Advanced implant materials designed for longevity and mobility

• Typically performed under regional anesthesia with sedation