BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shoulder joint replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a procedure designed to replace the damaged or worn parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals suffering from severe shoulder pain and dysfunction due to conditions like arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, or traumatic injury that have not responded to conservative treatments.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the shoulder joint. The head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is replaced with a metal ball, and the socket (glenoid) is replaced with a plastic component. In some cases, a partial replacement might be performed, involving only the replacement of the humeral head. The goal of the surgery is to restore function, reduce pain, and improve the range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Recovery from shoulder joint replacement surgery involves a period of rehabilitation, including physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in the shoulder. The artificial joint components are designed to last many years, significantly improving the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating shoulder conditions.