Anatomy

• Knowing the anatomy of the shoulder is important to understanding the operation. While the shoulder consists of bones, muscles, and tissues; shoulder replacement focuses solely on two of the bones of the shoulder joint: the humerus and scapula. The glenoid is the shallow, flat area of the scapula where the humerus bone sits, forming the socket of the shoulder joint.
  
  

Total Replacement

• Total replacement involves replacing the head of the humerus bone (the "ball") as well as the glenoid (the "socket") that makes up the shoulder joint. If both the humerus and glenoid are damaged, total replacement is required.
  
  

Partial Replacement

• With partial replacement, the surgeon replaces only the humerus. If the glenoid is still intact, and only the humerus is damaged, partial replacement is performed.
  
  

When is Replacement Needed?

• Shoulder surgery is commonly done on patients suffering from arthritis. It can also be performed on those who have had severe bone fractures of the shoulder.
  
  

Recovery

• Recovery is extensive and requires serious physical therapy. Generally, it takes six months for most patients who have had total replacement to be pain-free and regain most of their strength and range of motion. After one year, almost all patients are completely symptom free. The recovery time for partial replacement surgery is usually shorter.