Total Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Joint Replacement web based movie

Total Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the shoulder joint damaged from arthritis. 
In an arthritic shoulder

• The cartilage lining is thinner than normal or completely absent. The degree of cartilage damage and inflammation varies with the type and stage of arthritis.
• The capsule of the arthritic shoulder is swollen
• The joint space is narrowed and irregular in outline; this can be seen in an X-ray image.
• Bone spurs or excessive bone can also build up around the edges of the joint.

The combinations of these factors make the arthritic shoulder stiff and limit activities due to pain or fatigue.

Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery is performed under sterile conditions in the operating room under spinal or general anesthesia.

• An incision is made over the affected shoulder to expose the shoulder joint. The upper arm bone (Humerus) is separated from the glenoid socket of the shoulder blade (Scapula).
• The humeral head which is arthritic is cut off.
• The surgeon concentrates on the glenoid (socket).  The arthritic part of the socket is removed and prepared to take the glenoid component.
• The glenoid component is then pressed into the socket. This is sometimes reinforced with screws or occasionally cemented, depending on the surgeon’s preference.
• The upper arm bone is prepared to take the new humeral component.
• The humeral component is then inserted into the upper arm bone. This may be press fit relying on the bone to grow into it or cemented depending on a number of factors such as bone quality and surgeon’s preference.
• The humeral head component is then placed on the humeral stem. This can be made of metal or ceramic.
• The artificial components are fixed in place. The joint capsule is stitched together, the muscles and tendons are then repaired and the skin is closed.

For more information on shoulder replacement: www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00094