OVERVIEW

Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure designed to alleviate pain and restore function in a shoulder joint that has been compromised by injury, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. During the procedure, the affected parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with synthetic components, allowing for smoother movement and improved overall joint function.

Types of shoulder replacement

There are several types of shoulder replacement procedures, each tailored to the specific needs of the patient. The two main categories include:

1. Total shoulder replacement: In this procedure, both the ball and socket of the shoulder joint are replaced with prosthetic components.
2. Reverse shoulder replacement: This approach is often recommended for individuals with severe shoulder arthritis and a deficient rotator cuff. It involves reversing the placement of the ball and socket components, providing stability and function despite a compromised rotator cuff.

Causes

Several factors can lead to the need for shoulder replacement, including:

1. Osteoarthritis: The most common cause, characterised by the gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that affects the lining of the joint, causing pain and inflammation.
3. Post-traumatic arthritis: Resulting from a severe shoulder injury, such as a fracture or dislocation that leads to joint degeneration over time.
4. Rotator cuff tears: Untreated rotator cuff tears lead to imbalance and degeneration of the shoulder (Rotator cuff arthropathy) which requires replacement. Some older patients without degeneration also benefit more from replacement than repair.