All Health Topics

Total shoulder arthroplasty

Published Jan. 25, 2019
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider
on Oct. 1, 2018

Total shoulder arthroplasty is a joint replacement surgery that is done to treat painful shoulder joint conditions. The ball and socket in your shoulder will be replaced with metal and plastic parts that are close to the same shape and size to your own shoulder. The socket is replaced with a plastic liner. The ball is replaced with a metal ball attached to a metal stem that is placed in the humerus (upper arm) bone.

Reasons you may need a shoulder replacement

Your surgeon may suggest shoulder replacement if you have:  

  • Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)  
  • Rheumatoid arthritis  
  • Post-traumatic arthritis  
  • Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)  
  • A previous shoulder replacement that was not successful  
  • Failure of non-surgical treatments, such as anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, or physical therapy

Who cannot have a shoulder replacement?

People with a poorly functioning or torn rotator cuff, an axillary nerve injury, active shoulder infection, or severe loss of bone stock on the socket or ball cannot have shoulder replacement.

Outcomes of shoulder replacement

Shoulder replacements have been done in the United States since the 1950s. At that time it was used to treat shoulder fractures. In recent years it has become more common and is used for many painful shoulder conditions.

Most people can be very active after a shoulder replacement. People can play golf and tennis, swim, and do light yard work and gardening. You should not lift more than 40 pounds after this surgery. If you do not follow this restriction you may have pain and/or early loosening of the artificial joint.