Shoulder Replacement Surgery (Full and Partial)
What is shoulder replacement surgery?
When damage to the shoulder joint is significant and cannot be treated with repair techniques, a shoulder replacement surgery may be performed to relieve pain and restore mobility to the joint.
How is shoulder replacement surgery performed?
Depending on the type of joint damage you have experienced, there are several options available to replace the joint:
- Anatomical total shoulder replacement is a procedure to replace both the ball and the socket of the joint. This artificial joint is crafted to the natural shape of the bones.
- Reverse total shoulder replacement is similar to the anatomical procedure previously listed, except that the ball is attached to the shoulder blade and the socket attached to the upper arm bone. This is performed when a rotator cuff is severely damaged.
- Partial shoulder replacement replaces only the ball of the joint, and is appropriate when only the ball portion of the joint is damaged.