Shoulder Replacement (Shoulder Arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components (prosthesis). It is mainly done to relieve pain and restore mobility when conservative treatments (medications, injections, physiotherapy) fail.

✅ When is it needed?
1.Severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder
2.Severe fractures of the upper arm bone (humerus) near the shoulder joint
3.Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis due to long-standing rotator cuff tears)
4.Avascular necrosis (bone death due to poor blood supply)
5.Failed previous shoulder surgeries

🔧 Types of Shoulder Replacement
1.Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic)
2.Damaged head of the humerus is replaced with a metal ball.
3.The glenoid cavity (shoulder socket) is resurfaced with a plastic component.
4.Used when rotator cuff is intact.

.Reverse Shoulder Replacement
1.Ball and socket are switched: ball is placed on the shoulder blade, socket on the arm bone.
2.Useful when the rotator cuff is severely torn or absent.

.Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)
1.Only the humeral head is replaced (socket left intact).

🏥 Procedure
1.Performed under general anesthesia.
2.Damaged bone and cartilage are removed.
3.Prosthetic parts (metal + plastic) are fixed with cement or press-fit into bone.
4.Takes 1.5–3 hours depending on complexity.

⚕️ Recovery & Rehabilitation
1.Hospital stay: 2–4 days
2.Arm kept in a sling initially
3.Gentle physiotherapy starts within a few days
4.Full recovery: 3–6 months
5.Lifelong restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting (>10–15 kg) to protect the implant

⚠️ Risks & Complications
1.Infection
2.Dislocation of the new joint
3.Nerve or blood vessel injury
4.Prosthesis loosening or wear over time
5.Persistent pain or stiffness