Surgery is considered when it is the right choice for you. Before your operation you will receive a Preparing for Surgery booklet and a detailed guide related to your specific procedure.
Overview
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. In arthritis the smooth cartilage lining one or both surfaces wears away leaving bone rubbing on bone. An anatomic replacement resurfaces the joint with a metal ball replacing the worn top of the arm bone (humeral head) and a plastic socket is cemented onto the glenoid. It restores the native anatomy with artificial components which is why it works well when the rotator cuff is still intact and able to power the shoulder.
- The goal of this surgery is to relieve pain and restore function. Shoulder scores roughly double and stay improved out past ten years. Between 93 and 96% reach a meaningful improvement.
- This operation depends on your rotator cuff.
- Durability is good but the implants may wear over time. Around 95% of implants are still in place at 10 years and about 85% at 15.
Technique
- Approach is through an incision at the front of the shoulder.
- The muscle at the front of the shoulder (subscapularis) is taken down to reach the joint and repaired at the end.
- The worn top of the arm bone (humeral head) is removed and replaced with a metal ball.
- The worn socket (glenoid) is prepared and a plastic component is cemented into place.
Normal shoulder
Anatomic replacement
Recovery
Getting Back to Activity
- Days 0-7Home exercises
- Weeks 1-6Passive motion with your therapist
- Week 6Sling off, assisted motion begins
- Week 12Strengthening starts
- Months 3-12Motion to full, strength builds
Recovery Milestones
- Desk work: About 2-4 weeks.
- Daily activities: Around 3 months.
- Swimming: From about 3 months.
- Golf: 4 months, chipping and putting; full swing at 6 months.
- Tennis: 6 months.
- Full strength: Up to 2 years.
Progress is guided by motion, strength and comfort rather than time alone.
For how this condition is diagnosed and every treatment option, including nonoperative care, read the full Shoulder Arthritis guide.
Instructions and therapy protocols
Each version of this operation has its own post-op instructions and physical therapy protocol. Bring the protocol to your first therapy visit.
- Anatomic Shoulder ReplacementPost-op instructionsPT protocol
