Although there are several types of arthritis, most shoulder-replacement patients have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In arthroplasty, also called total joint replacement, the physician replaces the joint with metal, ceramic or plastic parts. When replacing a shoulder, the ball-and-socket area is replaced with artificial parts.
Most degenerative shoulder joints will eventually require replacement. There are two main types of shoulder surgery, depending on the location of the damage within the joint, either the socket portion or the ball portion, or both. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made by you and your doctor. Read more about caring for shoulder pain.
Before you go home, your surgeon and physical therapist will stress the importance of limiting any sudden or stressful movements to the arm. Activities that involve pushing, pulling, and lifting are not possible until you are given permission from your surgeon. Talk with your orthopedic team about exercises and rehabilitation you can do after surgery to facilitate your recovery.
Listen to Dr. Steve Petersen discuss shoulder arthritis and how you can ease your pain:
