Total Shoulder Replacement

When is shoulder replacement needed?

The glenohumeral joint, one of the three main shoulder joints, is formed from the articulation of the humerus (upper arm bone) with the glenoid socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). Surrounding the ends of these bones is a shiny and slippery layer of connective tissue known as articular cartilage. This cartilaginous layer protects the bony ends while also enabling painless joint movement. This tissue can erode over time from the natural aging process or a traumatic injury and cause bone-on-bone contact in a condition known as shoulder osteoarthritis. When left untreated, individuals can experience symptoms such as chronic pain, stiffness, and worsening of of joint movement. Individuals with advanced shoulder osteoarthritis that have exhausted non-surgical therapies and minimally invasive surgical procedures without relief are good candidates for a shoulder replacement. Patients with shoulder arthritis in the setting of torn or non-functioning rotator cuff muscles are candidates for a similar procedure called a reverse total shoulder replacement.

What is a shoulder replacement?

A shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a well-established and reliable surgical procedure used for the treatment of activity-limiting shoulder pain and stiffness in patients with end-stage arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff tears. The goal of a shoulder replacement is to alleviate shoulder pain while re-establishing joint function, allowing for improved strength, and restoring motion to the shoulder. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder doctor, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who are in need of a shoulder replacement.

How is a total shoulder replacement or arthroplasty performed?

Dr. Lamplot will review a number of patient factors to determine if an anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement is an appropriate treatment option. If appropriate, the patient is situated in a beach chair position and placed under general anesthesia prior to the procedure. An incision is created on the anterior (front) shoulder to gain access to the entire shoulder joint. In an anatomic shoulder replacement, the damaged humeral head is replaced with a metal ball and the glenoid socket is resurfaced with a smooth plastic component. The medical-grade plastic component performs the job the articular cartilage would have done had it still been present and functioning properly. Together, the metal ball and plastic socket form a replacement that is anchored in place with tight-fitting components and medical-grade cement. If a reverse shoulder replacement is performed, a metallic sphere is used to replaces the socket while a plastic cup replaces the ball. This procedure does not rely on a functioning rotator cuff.  Shoulder replacement procedures, when performed correctly, can reliably restore comfort and function to the patient’s shoulder.

How long does a shoulder replacement last?

While patients report a substantial reduction in shoulder pain with an improvement in shoulder function following an anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement, the prosthesis can deteriorate over time. On average, the shoulder replacement lasts between 15 to 20 years. Although a shoulder replacement is often a longer-lasting treatment option than shoulder joint preservation surgery in the setting of arthritis, Dr. Lamplot typically reserves joint replacement for individuals over the age of 50. Athletes and individuals younger than 50 are encouraged to consider joint preservation and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

What is the recovery period like after a shoulder replacement?

The patient’s age, activity level, and medical history impact the recovery process generating variable recovery periods following a shoulder replacement. Functional shoulder improvement and a significant reduction in pain can be anticipated within a short time following surgery. The majority of patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL can return to their normal daily routine in approximately 3 to 4 months. The following can be expected during the recovery process:

• An overnight hospital stay or same day discharge from the hospital, depending on each patient’s medical issues and personal factors including distance lived from hospital.
• A sling is applied to the reconstructed shoulder immediately after surgery to prevent further joint damage or dislocation during the healing process.
• Symptom management. While pain, bruising, swelling, and general comfort are normal after a shoulder replacement, they will decrease with time. These post-operative symptoms can be controlled with a combination of rest, ice application, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). If necessary, Dr. Lamplot may prescribe stronger pain medication to be taken as directed.
• The key to a successful recovery following a shoulder replacement is adhering to postoperative instructions and completing the individualized physical rehabilitation program designed by Dr. Lamplot.

Shoulder Replacement Surgeon